1 Samuel 14:16 net — Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in…

NET Bible

"Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another."

— 1 Samuel 14:16, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 14:16 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 14 — Context

13

Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following behind him. Jonathan struck down the Philistines, while his armor bearer came along behind him and killed them.

14

In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre.

15

Then fear overwhelmed those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God.

16

Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.

17

So Saul said to the army that was with him,“Muster the troops and see who is no longer with us.” When they mustered the troops, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

18

So Saul said to Ahijah,“Bring near the ephod,” for he was at that time wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites.

19

While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistines’ camp was becoming greater and greater. So Saul said to the priest,“Withdraw your hand!”

1 Samuel 14:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 14:16 say?
1 Samuel 14:16 in the NET Bible reads: “Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.”
Where is 1 Samuel 14:16 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 14:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 14:16.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 14:16 in?
1 Samuel 14:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 14:16?
1 Samuel 14:16 reads (NET): “Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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