18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
18 So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God went at that time with the people
18 When they called the roll, Jonathan and his armor bearer turned up missing.
18 And Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here" (for at that time the ark of God was with the children of Israel).
18 Then Saul shouted to Ahijah, "Bring the ephod here!" For at that time Ahijah was wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:18
Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:16-23
(Read 1 Samuel 14:16-23)
The Philistines were, by the power of God, set against one another. The more evident it was that God did all, the more reason Saul had to inquire whether God would give him leave to do any thing. But he was in such haste to fight a fallen enemy, that he would not stay to end his devotions, nor hear what answer God would give him. He that believeth, will not make such haste, nor reckon any business so urgent, as not to allow time to take God with him.