Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Mikmash to Aijalon, they were exhausted. New Living Translation They chased and killed the Philistines all day from Micmash to Aijalon, growing more and more faint. English Standard Version They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. Berean Standard Bible That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. Berean Literal Bible And that day they had driven back the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the people were very faint. King James Bible And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. New King James Version Now they had driven back the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. So the people were very faint. New American Standard Bible They attacked the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. But the people were very tired. NASB 1995 They struck among the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very weary. NASB 1977 And they struck among the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very weary. Legacy Standard Bible Then they struck among the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very weary. Amplified Bible They struck the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very tired. Berean Annotated Bible That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines (immigrants) from Michmash (hidden) to Aijalon (field of deer), the people were very faint. Christian Standard Bible The Israelites struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash all the way to Aijalon. Since the Israelites were completely exhausted, Holman Christian Standard Bible The Israelites struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash all the way to Aijalon. Since the Israelites were completely exhausted, American Standard Version And they smote of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint; Contemporary English Version By evening the Israelite army was exhausted from killing Philistines all the way from Michmash to Aijalon. English Revised Version And they smote of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. GOD'S WORD® Translation That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, but the troops were thoroughly exhausted. Good News Translation That day the Israelites defeated the Philistines, fighting all the way from Michmash to Aijalon. By this time the Israelites were very weak from hunger, International Standard Version That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the army was very weary. NET Bible On that day the army struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, and they became very tired. New Heart English Bible They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; Webster's Bible Translation And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Ajalon: and the people were very faint. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. World English Bible They struck the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they strike on that day among the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the people are very weary, Berean Literal Bible And that day they had driven back the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the people were very faint. Young's Literal Translation And they smite on that day among the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the people are very weary, Smith's Literal Translation And they will strike the rovers in that day, from Michmash to the oak: and the people were greatly wearied. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo they smote that day the Philistines from Machmas to Ailon. And the people were wearied exceedingly. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, on that day, they struck down the Philistines, from Michmash as far as Aijalon. But the people were exceedingly wearied. New American Bible After the Philistines were routed that day from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were completely exhausted. New Revised Standard Version After they had struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon, the troops were very faint; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWe have smitten the Philistines today from Michmash to Aijalon; and the people are very faint with hunger. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And we destroyed today among the Philistines from Mekmas Ailun, and the people are very exhausted!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they smote of the Philistines that day from Michmas to Aijalon; and the people were very faint. Brenton Septuagint Translation And on that day he smote some of the Philistines in Machmas; and the people were very weary. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan Eats the Honey…30How much better it would have been if the troops had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been much greater?” 31That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. 32So they rushed greedily to the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them on the ground and ate meat with the blood still in it.… Cross References That day, 1 Samuel 11:13 But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” Judges 7:22 And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines 2 Samuel 5:25 So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 1 Samuel 7:10-11 As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel. / Then the men of Israel charged out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, striking them down all the way to an area below Beth-car. 1 Samuel 17:51-52 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. / Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. from Michmash to Aijalon, Joshua 10:12-13 On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” 1 Samuel 13:23 And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash. 1 Samuel 13:5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. the people were very faint. 1 Samuel 30:10 because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. Judges 8:4-5 Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. / So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” Deuteronomy 25:17-18 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, / how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. Joshua 7:5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. Judges 20:43-45 They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east. / And 18,000 Benjamites fell, all men of valor. / Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more. 1 Samuel 15:7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 2 Samuel 8:1 Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. Treasury of Scripture And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. Aijalon Joshua 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Joshua 19:42 And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah, Jump to Previous Aijalon Ai'jalon Ajalon Exhausted Israelites Michmas Michmash Micmash Need Overcame Philistines Smite Smote Struck WearyJump to Next Aijalon Ai'jalon Ajalon Exhausted Israelites Michmas Michmash Micmash Need Overcame Philistines Smite Smote Struck Weary1 Samuel 14 1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves 17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them 21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them. 24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory 31. He restrains the people from eating blood 35. He builds an altar 37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people 47. Saul's victories, strength, and family That day This phrase indicates a specific time during the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. It highlights the immediacy and intensity of the events described. The context is a battle during King Saul's reign, a period marked by frequent skirmishes with the Philistines, who were a constant threat to Israel. after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon the people were very faint Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul and David, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 2. Michmash A strategic location in the territory of Benjamin, often associated with military encounters between Israel and the Philistines. 3. Aijalon A valley and city in the tribal territory of Dan, marking the extent of the pursuit and battle against the Philistines. 4. Israelite Troops The soldiers under King Saul's command, who were engaged in battle and experienced physical exhaustion due to the intensity and duration of the conflict. 5. Jonathan Saul's son, whose earlier actions in the chapter demonstrate faith and initiative, contributing to the victory over the Philistines. Teaching Points The Cost of VictoryThe pursuit from Michmash to Aijalon illustrates the physical and emotional toll of warfare. In our spiritual battles, we must be prepared for the cost of victory and rely on God's strength. Leadership and Initiative Jonathan's earlier actions in the chapter show the importance of godly initiative and leadership. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God to guide our actions. The Danger of Rash Vows Saul's earlier oath (1 Samuel 14:24) led to the troops' exhaustion. This teaches us to be cautious with our words and decisions, ensuring they align with God's wisdom. Dependence on God The exhaustion of the troops serves as a reminder of our human limitations and the need to depend on God's strength and guidance in all endeavors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:31?2. How does 1 Samuel 14:31 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What lessons can we learn about leadership from Saul's actions in this chapter? 4. How does 1 Samuel 14:31 connect to the importance of seeking God's guidance? 5. In what ways can we apply Jonathan's faithfulness in our daily lives? 6. How does the Israelites' exhaustion in 1 Samuel 14:31 relate to spiritual fatigue today? 7. What does 1 Samuel 14:31 reveal about God's guidance in battle? 8. How does 1 Samuel 14:31 reflect on Saul's leadership qualities? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 14:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14? 11. Is there any archaeological or extra-biblical evidence confirming the battle site and the events described in 1 Samuel 14? 12. Why would God honor Saul’s command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31–33)? 13. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)? 14. What natural or historical evidence supports the sudden 'panic' that supposedly afflicted the Philistine army (1 Samuel 14:15)? What Does 1 Samuel 14:31 Mean That day- Scripture plants us in a specific moment, just as it does in Exodus 14:30-31 when Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. Here the “day” marks the climax of Jonathan’s daring assault (1 Samuel 14:6-15) and God’s answer with an earthquake and panic among the Philistines. - It reminds us that decisive victories often unfold in a single God-appointed day (Joshua 10:12-14; Psalm 118:24). The timing is God’s, not ours, and His faithfulness is freshly displayed. after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines - The wording shows a completed action: Israel “struck down” their enemy, echoing earlier deliverances like 1 Samuel 7:10-13 and Judges 7:22. - Victory was clearly the Lord’s doing. Jonathan’s faith, not Saul’s numerical strength, carried the day—paralleling 2 Chronicles 14:11 where Asa trusted God against overwhelming odds. - This victory answers Saul’s earlier impotence (1 Samuel 13:5-7) and showcases that obedience and courage rooted in faith still rout entrenched foes. from Michmash to Aijalon - The pursuit covered roughly fifteen miles, descending from the hill country at Michmash (1 Samuel 13:23) to the Valley of Aijalon, the very place where Joshua once saw the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12). - Such a distance highlights: • Relentless pressure—Israel did not let the Philistines regroup. • God’s sweeping deliverance across familiar covenant geography, tying present salvation to past deeds. - It illustrates Psalm 18:29, “With my God I can scale a wall,” for the troops pressed on beyond normal limits. the people were very faint - The exhaustion stems from Saul’s rash oath, “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening” (1 Samuel 14:24). What began as zeal turned into burden, recalling Judges 8:4-6 where Gideon’s hungry men fought on faint yet faithful. - Physical depletion soon produced spiritual danger: the troops later eat meat with the blood (1 Samuel 14:32-33), a direct violation of Leviticus 17:10-14. Legalistic zeal without discernment invited further sin. - Practical lessons: • Man-made restrictions can sap strength and obscure grace (Colossians 2:20-23). • Even after God-given victory, vigilance matters; fatigue can open doors to compromise (Galatians 6:9; Matthew 26:41). • Leadership that ignores human limits ultimately harms the people it aims to motivate (Proverbs 29:2). summary 1 Samuel 14:31 records both triumph and tension. In one God-ordained day, Israel—sparked by Jonathan’s faith—drove the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon. Yet Saul’s ill-advised oath left the army drained, exposing the folly of human regulations added to divine commands. The verse therefore celebrates God’s power while warning that legalistic burdens can sap strength and lead to further disobedience. Confidence in the Lord empowers victory; reliance on fleshly vows exhausts and endangers the people of God. (31) From Michmash to Aijalon.--The battle and pursuit had then extended some twenty miles of country. Again the extreme weariness of the Israelites is mentioned. Aijalon, the modern Yalo, is some eighteen or twenty miles from Michmash, where the main body of the Philistine army had been encamped.Hebrew Thatהַהוּא֙ (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day, בַּיּ֤וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day after the Israelites had struck down וַיַּכּ֞וּ (way·yak·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5221: To strike the Philistines בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (bap·pə·liš·tîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia from Michmash מִמִּכְמָ֖שׂ (mim·miḵ·māś) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4363: Michmash -- a city in Benjamin to Aijalon, אַיָּלֹ֑נָה (’ay·yā·lō·nāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 357: Aijalon -- 'deer', the name of several cities in Palestine the people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were very מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily faint. וַיָּ֥עַף (way·yā·‘ap̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5774: To fly, to faint Links 1 Samuel 14:31 NIV1 Samuel 14:31 NLT 1 Samuel 14:31 ESV 1 Samuel 14:31 NASB 1 Samuel 14:31 KJV 1 Samuel 14:31 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 14:31 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 14:31 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 14:31 French Bible 1 Samuel 14:31 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 14:31 They struck of the Philistines that day (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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