1 Samuel 14:15

KJV

And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was trembling {H2731} in the host {H4264}, in the field {H7704}, and among all the people {H5971}: the garrison {H4673}, and the spoilers {H7843}, they also trembled {H2729}, and the earth {H776} quaked {H7264}: so it was a very great {H430} trembling {H2731}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was panic in the field camp among all the P'lishtim; likewise, the garrison and the raiding party panicked. Besides all this, there was an earthquake; thus it grew into panic caused by God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God.

American Standard Version

And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:15 vividly describes a pivotal moment in the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, where God's supernatural intervention dramatically shifts the tide in favor of Israel. This verse captures the overwhelming fear and chaos that seized the Philistine forces, characterized by widespread panic and a physical earthquake, signifying a divine hand at work that disoriented the enemy and paved the way for Israel's unexpected victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel's ongoing struggle against Philistine oppression. Chapter [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Philistine Oppression") details the severe Philistine control, including their monopoly on ironworking, which left Israel severely disarmed, with only King Saul and Jonathan possessing swords ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control of Weapons")). Against this backdrop of overwhelming Philistine military superiority and Israelite despair, Jonathan, driven by faith, initiates a daring two-man raid on a Philistine outpost at Michmash. His initial success, described in [1 Samuel 14:6-14](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6-14 - Jonathan's Daring Attack"), where he and his armor-bearer kill about twenty Philistines, serves as the immediate precursor to the supernatural event of verse 15. This "trembling" is the divine response that amplifies Jonathan's small victory into a full-scale rout, leading directly into the subsequent Israelite pursuit ([1 Samuel 14:16-23](/1_samuel/14-16 "1 Samuel 14:16-23 - Israel's Pursuit of the Philistines")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the early period of the Israelite monarchy under King Saul, a time marked by constant Philistine incursions and their military and technological superiority, particularly in iron weaponry. The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" group, had established strong garrisons and raiding parties throughout Israelite territory, effectively disarming and subjugating the Israelites. Michmash, where this battle takes place, was a strategically vital pass, controlling access between the central highlands and the Jordan Valley. Culturally, the narrative reflects the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as a warrior God who actively intervenes in human affairs, especially on behalf of His covenant people. Such divine interventions, often involving panic or natural phenomena, were understood as direct manifestations of God's power, reinforcing the belief that Israel's ultimate strength lay not in its military might but in its God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy and God's Sovereignty"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Intervention and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is not merely an observer but an active participant in human history, capable of turning the tide of battle through supernatural means. The "trembling" and "earth quaked" are clear signs of His direct involvement, echoing earlier divine judgments and interventions (e.g., [Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Throws the Egyptian Army into Confusion")). It also highlights the theme of **God Working Through Weakness**, as Jonathan's seemingly insignificant act of faith, undertaken with minimal resources, becomes the catalyst for God's mighty display of power, a principle seen elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Army and Divine Confusion")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Psychological Warfare** God employs, instilling terror and confusion in the enemy, leading to their self-destruction, a recurring motif in biblical warfare narratives that emphasizes God's ability to fight for His people "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trembling (Hebrew, _ḥărādâ'_):** This word, appearing multiple times in the verse (translated as "trembling"), signifies more than just a physical shaking; it denotes a deep, internal terror, dread, and panic that seizes the mind and body. It suggests a profound psychological disorientation and fear, often associated with a divine visitation or judgment. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive and overwhelming nature of this fear across all segments of the Philistine forces, indicating a divinely induced panic rather than a natural reaction.
* **Quaked (Hebrew, _raʿaš'_):** This term specifically refers to a violent shaking or trembling, most commonly used to describe an earthquake. Its inclusion here indicates a literal geological event, underscoring the supernatural and cosmic dimension of God's intervention. The earth itself responds to God's presence and purpose, acting as an instrument of His will to amplify the Philistine's internal panic and confirm the divine origin of the chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the widespread nature of the panic. "The host" refers to the main Philistine army, "in the field" indicates their positions across the landscape, and "among all the people" suggests that even non-combatants or auxiliary personnel were affected. This comprehensive description highlights the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of the divine terror that gripped the entire Philistine encampment.
* **"the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled,"** This part specifies two particular elements of the Philistine forces. The "garrison" refers to the permanent Philistine military presence, likely the fortified outpost Jonathan attacked. The "spoilers" were raiding parties that harassed Israelite villages, embodying the Philistine oppression. The explicit mention that *they also* trembled emphasizes that no part of the Philistine military apparatus was immune to this divine panic, including those who were typically instruments of terror themselves.
* **"and the earth quaked:"** This crucial clause introduces the supernatural element, indicating a literal earthquake. This is not merely a metaphor for fear but a physical manifestation of God's power. Earthquakes in biblical narratives often accompany divine appearances or judgments, signifying God's active presence and His control over creation, serving to amplify the terror and disorient the enemy further, making their fear palpable and externally validated.
* **"so it was a very great trembling."** This concluding phrase serves as an emphatic summary, reiterating and intensifying the initial statement. The repetition of "trembling" (ḥărādâ) combined with the adjective "very great" (גְּדֹלָה מְאֹד, _gĕdôlâ mĕʾōd_) underscores the unprecedented magnitude and overwhelming nature of the panic and chaos that gripped the Philistine forces, leaving no doubt about the divine origin and devastating effect of the event.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey the overwhelming nature of the divine intervention. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the word "trembling" (ḥărādâ) appearing four times. This repetition creates a sense of pervasive, inescapable terror, emphasizing how thoroughly the Philistine forces were gripped by panic. Coupled with this is **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, particularly in the concluding phrase "a very great trembling," which magnifies the scale and impact of the event beyond ordinary fear. The inclusion of "the earth quaked" serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Intervention** or **Theophany**, where natural phenomena are used to signify God's direct presence and action, echoing similar displays of divine power in Exodus or at Mount Sinai. Finally, the verse utilizes a form of **Parallelism** by listing various segments of the Philistine forces—"the host," "the field," "all the people," "the garrison," "the spoilers"—all experiencing the same phenomenon, thereby illustrating the comprehensive and universal nature of the panic within the enemy camp.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 14:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It illustrates that divine power is not limited by human resources or military might, but can manifest in unexpected and overwhelming ways. This event serves as a foundational reminder that when God's people step out in faith, even in weakness, God is able to fight their battles, turning the enemy's strength into self-inflicted chaos. The "trembling" and "earth quaking" are not random occurrences but purposeful acts of a God who actively intervenes in history to fulfill His redemptive plan, ensuring that the victory is undeniably His.

* [Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "God Throws the Egyptian Army into Confusion")
* [Joshua 10:10](/joshua/10-10 "God Throws Enemies into Confusion")
* [Psalm 18:7](/psalms/18-7 "The Earth Trembles at God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene in 1 Samuel 14:15 offers profound encouragement and a call to faith for believers today. It reminds us that our battles are not solely dependent on our strength, resources, or strategic brilliance, but fundamentally on the power of God. In moments of overwhelming odds, when our "garrison" of problems seems insurmountable and "spoilers" of anxiety threaten to raid our peace, this verse calls us to remember that God is capable of supernatural intervention. Just as Jonathan's small act of faith unleashed a divine earthquake of terror on the Philistines, our obedience and trust, however small, can be the catalyst for God's mighty work in our lives and circumstances. It challenges us to look beyond visible obstacles and place our confidence in the invisible, omnipotent hand of God, who can turn the most formidable opposition into self-defeating chaos, demonstrating His glory and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed, like Israel facing the Philistines?**
* **How does Jonathan's faith-filled initiative, preceding God's intervention, challenge your approach to seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What "trembling" or "earthquakes" might God be preparing to bring about in your circumstances if you trust Him fully?**

### FAQ
**Was the "trembling" a natural phenomenon or purely supernatural?**

Answer: The text strongly suggests a supernatural origin for the "trembling" and the "earth quaked." While earthquakes are natural phenomena, their timing and effect in this narrative are presented as direct divine intervention. The "trembling" (ḥărādâ) among the Philistine forces is described as a profound, internal panic, which, coupled with the external earthquake (raʿaš), indicates God's active hand. This is consistent with other biblical accounts where God uses natural elements to achieve His purposes (e.g., the plagues in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin") or the parting of the [Red Sea in Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")). It's a divinely orchestrated event, using both psychological and physical means to disorient the enemy, ensuring the victory is clearly attributed to God.

**How does this event connect to God's character?**

Answer: This event powerfully reveals God's character as a sovereign, active, and faithful deliverer. It demonstrates His omnipotence and His willingness to fight for His people, even when they are weak and outnumbered. It aligns with the biblical portrayal of Yahweh as a "Man of War" ([Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Warrior")), who intervenes decisively in history. Furthermore, it highlights His justice against those who oppress His covenant people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises, even through extraordinary means. The terror instilled in the Philistines also underscores God's ability to use psychological warfare to achieve His ends, showing His complete control over both creation and the hearts of men, ultimately for the glory of His name and the deliverance of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 14:15 describes a literal battle and a physical trembling, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate victory achieved by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. The "trembling" of the Philistines foreshadows the spiritual terror and defeat of the powers of darkness at the cross. Just as God intervened supernaturally to secure victory for Israel, so too did He intervene in human history in the person of Jesus, who, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual "garrisons" and "spoilers" of sin and death. The "earth quaked" at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Earthquake at the Crucifixion")), signifying the cosmic upheaval and the decisive victory over evil. Jesus is the true Jonathan, the Son who, through an act of ultimate faith and obedience, confronted the enemy and brought about a "very great trembling" in the spiritual realm, leading to the liberation of humanity. His victory was not achieved by human might or a physical army, but by divine power and self-sacrifice, echoing the principle that God works through weakness to accomplish His greatest triumphs ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")). Through Christ, believers are assured that though they may face spiritual adversaries, the ultimate victory has already been secured, and the enemy is already in disarray, awaiting final judgment ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 13:17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Exodus 19:18

And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Kings 7:7

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life.

2 Samuel 5:24

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.