1 Samuel 14:21
1 Samuel 14:21 in Multiple Translations
And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps of the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
Now the Hebrews that were with the Philistines as beforetime, and that went up with them into the camp, from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
Then the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines for some time, and had gone up with them to their tents, turning round were joined to those who were with Saul and Jonathan.
The Hebrews who had previously sided with the Philistines, and who were with them in their camp, switched sides and joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Moreouer, the Ebrewes that were with the Philistims beforetime, and were come with them into all partes of the hoste, euen they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Ionathan.
And the Hebrews [who] have been for the Philistines as heretofore, who had gone up with them into the camp, have turned round, even they, to be with Israel who [are] with Saul and Jonathan,
Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before and who went up with them into the camp from all around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them into the camp from the country around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
Moreover the Hebrews that had been with the Philistines yesterday and the day before, and went up with them into the camp, returned to be with the Israelites, who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Before that, some of the Hebrew men had deserted their army and gone to join with the Philistia army. But now those men revolted and joined with Saul and Jonathan and the other Israeli soldiers.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 14:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/עִבְרִ֗ים
הָי֤וּ
לַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙
כְּ/אֶתְמ֣וֹל
שִׁלְשׁ֔וֹם
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
עָל֥וּ
עִמָּ֛/ם
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
סָבִ֑יב
וְ/גַם
הֵ֗מָּה
לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עִם
שָׁא֖וּל
וְ/יוֹנָתָֽן
וְ/הָ/עִבְרִ֗ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Prep | Ngmpa
כְּ/אֶתְמ֣וֹל
ʼethmôwl
H865
previously
Prep | N-ms
שִׁלְשׁ֔וֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָל֥וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עִמָּ֛/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/יוֹנָתָֽן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
Jonathan
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:21
וְ/הָ/עִבְרִ֗ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
הָי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לַ/פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
כְּ/אֶתְמ֣וֹל
ʼethmôwl
H865
"previously"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a time in the past, such as yesterday or formerly. It is used to describe events that happened before the present time, and can also mean recently or of old.
Definition: 1) yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1b) formerly (fig.) 1c) from yesterday, already (in phrase) 2) (TWOT +) before, before that time, before the time, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that) time, [phrase] heretofore, of late (old), [phrase] times past, yester(day). See also: 1 Samuel 4:7; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 90:4.
שִׁלְשׁ֔וֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
N-ms
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָל֥וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עִמָּ֛/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
סָבִ֑יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/יוֹנָתָֽן
Yôwnâthân
H3129
"Jonathan"
Conj | N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 14:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
Context — Jonathan’s Victory over the Philistines
19While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”
20Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.
21And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
22When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. 23So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth-aven.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 29:4 | But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men? |
| 2 | Judges 7:23 | Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites. |
1 Samuel 14:21 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 14:21, tells us that some Hebrews who were living among the Philistines decided to join the Israelites with Saul and Jonathan, likely because they saw the Philistines were losing and wanted to be on the winning side. This event shows how God can use unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish His plans, as seen in other Bible stories like Ruth 1:16 and Esther 4:14. It's a reminder that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that He can use anyone to advance His kingdom, as described in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By joining the Israelites, the Hebrews were able to participate in God's victory and experience His deliverance, just like the Israelites did when they followed God's instructions in Joshua 6:1-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Hebrews mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:21?
The Hebrews mentioned in this verse are those who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps of the Philistines, possibly as servants, slaves, or defectors, and now they are joining the Israelites with Saul and Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:21, similar to what happened in Exodus 12:38 when a mixed multitude went up with the Israelites out of Egypt.
Why did the Hebrews switch sides in 1 Samuel 14:21?
The Hebrews likely switched sides because they saw the confusion and defeat of the Philistines and wanted to be on the winning side, or perhaps they were inspired by the bravery of Saul and Jonathan, as noted in 1 Samuel 14:6-15, and wanted to join the Israelites in their victory, much like the people who joined David in 1 Samuel 22:2.
Is this event in 1 Samuel 14:21 a significant turning point in the battle?
Yes, this event marks a significant turning point in the battle, as it shows that the tide is turning in favor of the Israelites, and it sets the stage for the Philistines' eventual defeat, as described in 1 Samuel 14:23, where it says 'So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth-aven', similar to the turning point in the battle in Joshua 10:10-14.
What can we learn from the Hebrews' decision to join the Israelites in 1 Samuel 14:21?
We can learn that it's never too late to switch sides and join God's people, and that sometimes, all it takes is a little courage and faith to make a significant difference, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, where the son returns to his father and is welcomed back with open arms.
Reflection Questions
- What would have motivated the Hebrews to leave the Philistines and join the Israelites, and what can I learn from their example about loyalty and commitment?
- How does this event in 1 Samuel 14:21 demonstrate God's power and providence in the lives of His people, and what are some ways I can see God working in my own life?
- In what ways can I, like the Hebrews, switch sides and join God's people in the spiritual battle we face every day, and what role can I play in advancing God's kingdom, as described in Matthew 6:10 and Luke 11:2?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Saul and Jonathan, and what can I learn from their leadership and bravery, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6-15 and other passages like Acts 4:13?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:21
Moreover, the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time,.... Who either were their servants and bondsmen they brought along with them, or such in whose cities they dwelt, or had taken
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:21
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
Which went up with them into the camp; either by constraint, as servants; or in policy, to gain their favour and protection.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews [that] were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp [from the country] round about, even they also [turned] to be with the Israelites that [were] with Saul and Jonathan.Ver. 21. Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines.] Either as their slaves or fugitives; these now took part with their countrymen. It is bard trusting of such in battle whose hearts are with the enemy.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
(21) Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines.—These Israelites were, most likely, prisoners who had been compelled to fight against their countrymen, or were levies raised in those parts of the land more immediately under Philistine influence. These, we read, took the first opportunity to go over to Saul. Other Israelites—probably the men of whole villages, who had been compelled, as the result of the late Philistine successes, to desert their homesteads, and seek a precarious living in the hills—joined in the pursuit of the now flying Philistine armies. This is the meaning of the words of the 22nd verse, which speaks of “the men of Israel which had hid themselves in Mount Ephraim.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
Verse 21. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines] We may understand such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of Hebrews the Septuagint read, οιδουλοι, the slaves; from which it is evident that, instead of עברים Ibrim, Hebrews, they found in their text עבדים abadim, servants. But this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS. yet discovered.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:21
21. the Hebrews that were with the Philistines] Either renegade Israelites who had taken service in the Philistine army, or forced levies from the districts occupied by the Philistines. The name “Hebrews” by which they were known to the Philistines is used to distinguish them from the “Israelites” who had not submitted to their oppressors. The Sept. reads “slaves.” See notes on 1 Samuel 4:6 and 1 Samuel 13:3.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:21
21. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines — Those who had deserted Saul’s army and gone over to them, and those whom they had taken captive during this last invasion.