14. That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men within about a half-acre field.
15. There was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and the raiders also trembled, and the ground quaked. It was the fear of God.
16. The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went even here and there.
17. Then Saul said to the people that were with him, “Number now, and see who has gone from us.” And when they had numbered, Jonathan nor his armor bearer were there.
18. Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring here the ark of God.” For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
19. It came to pass, while Saul talked to the priest, that the noise which was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”
20. Saul and all the people who were with him assembled, and they went to the battle. And every man’s sword was against his fellow, so that there was very great confusion.
21. Even the Hebrews who were with the Philistines the days before, who went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the children of Israel that were with Saul and Jonathan.
22. Also all of Israel’s fighting men, who had hidden themselves in mountains of Ephraim, heard that the Philistines fled, and even they followed hard after them in the battle.
23. So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle passed beyond Beth Aven.
24. Now Israel’s fighting men were distressed that day. For Saul had placed the people under a curse, saying, “Cursed is the man that eats any food before it is evening, and I have been avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted any food.
25. All the people of the land came to the forest, and there was honey on the ground.