⁵ Then they set out, and the terror of God^(A) fell on the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.^(B)

²² When the three hundred trumpets sounded,^(A) the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other^(B) with their swords.^(C) The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah^(D) near Tabbath.

Israel Routs the Philistines

¹⁵ Then panic^(A) struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding^(B) parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.^[a]

¹⁶ Saul’s lookouts^(C) at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. ¹⁷ Then Saul said to the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.

¹⁸ Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring^(D) the ark^(E) of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)^{[b] 19} While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest,^(F) “Withdraw your hand.”

²⁰ Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking^(G) each other with their swords.