1 Samuel 14:15-16
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Notice how the panic isn't just a reaction to something, but a supernatural force that spreads. The text emphasizes it like a plague, affecting everyone from the main camp to the raiders, even shaking the earth itself, showing the overwhelming power of God's intervention. This wasn't just fear; it was a divine disarray that crippled the enemy.
And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jonathan and his armor-bearer, acting boldly on faith, had just taken out a Philistine outpost, creating a stir. This small victory, amplified by God's hand, sent a wave of terror through the entire Philistine army, causing them to descend into chaos and fight amongst themselves. The Israelites, witnessing this miraculous disarray from a distance, were beginning to rally.
Sometimes, the greatest victories aren't won with swords, but with a divine whisper. Jonathan and his armor-bearer faced impossible odds, but God stepped in.
A Divine Disruption
This isn't just a story of battle; it's a testament to God's ability to turn the tide. When Jonathan and his armor-bearer bravely attacked a Philistine outpost, the response wasn't just human fear – it was a divine panic.
One brave act, fueled by faith, can unleash a powerful chain reaction. Jonathan's bold move wasn't just for himself; it set something mighty in motion.
From One to Many
Jonathan's courageous step, taken in faith and dependence on God, wasn't isolated. It triggered a spiritual and psychological domino effect that swept through the enemy ranks.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
charadah · Hebrew Noun
A state of extreme fear or confusion that leads to a loss of courage or organization, often used in Scripture to describe a divinely induced reaction among God’s enemies.
ra'ash · Hebrew Verb
A physical or metaphorical shaking, often associated with the manifestation of God’s power, judgment, or presence among the nations.
tsophim · Hebrew Noun
An official guard or sentinel tasked with observing and reporting enemy movements, often serving as the eyes of a military force or a city.
hamon · Hebrew Noun
A common term for a large group, host, or crowd of people, often used in military contexts to describe an enemy army or a vast gathering.
c. 1030-1010 BC
Saul's Reign Begins
Saul is anointed king of Israel, establishing a monarchy in response to external threats and internal disunity. His early reign is marked by attempts to consolidate power and defend against various enemies.
c. 1020 BC
Philistine Oppression Intensifies
The Philistines, a powerful maritime people, exert increasing control over Israelite territories, particularly in the Shephelah (foothills). They disrupt Israelite society and military organization, controlling key resources like iron.
c. 1015 BC
Jonathan's Raid on Geba
Saul's son Jonathan leads a successful surprise attack on a Philistine garrison at Geba. This act of defiance provokes a large-scale Philistine response, gathering a massive army.
c. 1015 BC— this verse
Philistine Army Assembles
The Philistines gather an enormous force at Michmash, a strategic location overlooking the region. This military assembly creates immense pressure and fear among the Israelites.
c. 1015 BC
Israelite Army Gathers
Saul mobilizes the Israelite forces, but many soldiers are fearful and deserting due to the overwhelming Philistine numbers. Only a small group remains with Saul and Jonathan.
This passage describes God's intervention in battle causing confusion and panic among the enemy, similar to the 'very great panic' described here when God fights for His people.
Joshua 2:9-11The spies heard reports of the Israelites' mighty deeds, which caused fear and panic among the Canaanites, illustrating how God's reputation precedes His people and strikes terror into adversaries.
Psalm 76:5-6This psalm echoes the sentiment of overwhelming fear that strikes down enemies, even those described as mighty warriors, directly paralleling the 'trembling' and 'panic' of Saul's foes.
2 Kings 7:6-7Here, a whole invading army is struck with panic by a phantom noise, driven by God's hand, showing how divine power can create immense fear and confusion in the enemy camp.
Notice how the panic isn't just a reaction to something, but a supernatural force that spreads. The text emphasizes it like a plague, affecting everyone from the main camp to the raiders, even shaking the earth itself, showing the overwhelming power of God's intervention. This wasn't just fear; it was a divine disarray that crippled the enemy.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer, acting boldly on faith, had just taken out a Philistine outpost, creating a stir. This small victory, amplified by God's hand, sent a wave of terror through the entire Philistine army, causing them to descend into chaos and fight amongst themselves. The Israelites, witnessing this miraculous disarray from a distance, were beginning to rally.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer, acting boldly on faith, had just taken out a Philistine outpost, creating a stir. This small victory, amplified by God's hand, sent a wave of terror through the entire Philistine army, causing them to descend into chaos and fight amongst themselves. The Israelites, witnessing this miraculous disarray from a distance, were beginning to rally.
"And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, t…" — Notice how the panic isn't just a reaction to something, but a supernatural force that spreads. The text emphasizes it like a plague, affecting everyone from the main camp to the raiders, even sh…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
