B. Under Saul

Verses 16 through 23 describe the conquest of the Philistines under Saul.

1. The Multitude of the Philistine Army
Melting Away

According to verse 16 the multitude of the Philistine army was melting away, and they were going here and there.

2. Saul Finding Out
That Jonathan and His Helper
Had Gone Away from Him to Attack the Philistines

Saul found out that his son Jonathan and his helper had gone away from him to attack the Philistines (v. 17).

3. Saul Seeking God's Leading
through the Priest and the Ark

In verses 18 and 19 Saul did something quite good—he sought God's leading through the priest and the ark.

4. Saul Hearing That the Tumult in the Camp
of the Philistines Continued to Increase

Saul heard that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines continued to increase. He and all the people who were with him gathered together and went into the battle, while each Philistine's sword was against his companion, and the tumult was very great (v. 20).

5. The Hebrews Who Had Been with the Philistines
Turning to Be with the Israelites
Who Were with Saul and Jonathan

The Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and who had gone up with them into the camp also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan (v. 21).

6. All the Men of Israel Who Had Hidden Themselves
Following Saul and Jonathan Closely

Even all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country followed Saul and Jonathan closely in the battle (v. 22).

7. Jehovah Saving Israel from the Philistines

That day Jehovah saved Israel from the Philistines (v. 23).