1 Samuel 14:20
And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.
1 Samuel 14:20 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we witness a moment of chaos and confusion on the battlefield. Saul, the king of Israel, gathers his forces for battle, only to find that each man's sword is turned against his own comrades. This sudden turn of events leads to a great discomfiture, or confusion and defeat, among the troops. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of war and the consequences of internal strife within a group. It also highlights the destructive nature of conflict and the importance of unity and coordination in times of crisis. The imagery of allies turning against each other with their swords is a vivid illustration of the devastating effects of division and discord in any community or organization. As readers reflect on this verse, they are challenged to consider the importance of working together towards a common goal and the dangers of internal conflict that can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Samuel 14:20 highlights the idea of divine intervention and the unpredictability of God's ways. The verse describes a chaotic scene where Saul and his army found themselves in the midst of a battle where confusion reigned, and the soldiers turned against each other. This event can be seen as a form of judgment or punishment from God for disobedience or lack of faith. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and his ability to disrupt human plans and strategies in ways that are beyond human understanding. The word "discomfiture" used in the verse can be further studied to reveal its deeper meaning in the original Hebrew text, shedding light on the severity and impact of the situation. Overall, this passage encourages readers to trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances and to heed his commands to avoid facing similar consequences.
1 Samuel 14:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Saul and all the people that were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.
World English Bible
Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow: a very great confusion.
Douay-Rheims
Then Saul, and all the people that were with him, shouted together, and they came to the place of the fight: and behold every man's sword was turned upon his neighbour, and there was a very great slaughter.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Saul was assembled with all the people that were with him, and they came to the battell: and behold, euery mans sworde was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.