14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer [1] made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 14:14

New International Version

14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

English Standard Version

14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acreHebrew a yoke of land.

The Message

14 In this first bloody encounter, Jonathan and his armor bearer killed about twenty men.

New King James Version

14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armorbearer made was about twenty men within about half an acre of land.

New Living Translation

14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:14

Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:1-15

(Read 1 Samuel 14:1-15)

Saul seems to have been quite at a loss, and unable to help himself. Those can never think themselves safe who see themselves out of God's protection. Now he sent for a priest and the ark. He hopes to make up matters with the Almighty by a partial reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and unchanged. Many love to have ministers who prophesy smooth things to them. Jonathan felt a Divine impulse and impression, putting him upon this bold adventure. God will direct the steps of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek to him for direction, with full purpose of heart to follow his guidance. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected but well-observed turns of Divine providence. There was trembling in the host. It is called a trembling of God, signifying, not only a great trembling they could not resist, nor reason themselves out of, but that it came at once from the hand of God. He that made the heart, knows how to make it tremble.