15 Great fear spread among the Philistine soldiers—those in the field, in the camp, and at the fort. Even the bravest soldiers were afraid. The ground began to shake, and they were completely overcome with fear.
16 Saul’s guards at Gibeah in the land of Benjamin saw the Philistine soldiers running away in different ways.
17 Saul said to the army with him, “Count the men. I want to know who left camp.” They counted the men. Jonathan and his helper were gone.
18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring God’s Holy Box!” (At that time God’s Holy Box was there with the Israelites.)
19 Saul was talking to Ahijah the priest waiting for advice from God. But the noise and confusion in the Philistine camp was growing and growing. Saul was becoming impatient. Finally, he said to Ahijah the priest, “That’s enough. Put your hand down and stop praying.”
20 Saul gathered his army together and went to the battle. The Philistine soldiers were very confused. They were even fighting each other with their swords.
21 There were Hebrews who served the Philistines in the past and who stayed in the Philistine camp. But now these Hebrews joined the Israelites with Saul and Jonathan.