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1 Samuel 14:17

1 Samuel 14:17 in Multiple Translations

Saul said to the troops who were with him, “Call the roll and see who has left us.” And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there.

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armorbearer were not there.

Then Saul said to the people who were with him, Let everyone be numbered and let us see who has gone from us. And when they had been numbered, it was seen that Jonathan and his servant were not there.

Saul told the soldiers with him, “Do a roll-call and find out who isn't here with us.” When they did the roll-call, they discovered that Jonathan and his armor-bearer weren't there.

Therefore saide Saul vnto the people that were with him, Search nowe and see, who is gone from vs. And when they had nombred, beholde, Ionathan and his armour bearer were not there.

And Saul saith to the people who [are] with him, 'Inspect, I pray you, and see; who hath gone from us?' and they inspect, and lo, Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons are not.

Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count now, and see who is missing from us.” When they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

Then said Saul to the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there .

And Saul said to the people that were with him: Look, and see who is gone from us. And when they had sought, it was found that Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.

Saul realized that some of his soldiers must have attacked the Philistia army. So he said to the soldiers who were with him, “Check to see if any of our men are not here.” So they checked, and they found out that Jonathan and the man who carried his weapons were gone.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:17

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר שָׁא֗וּל לָ/עָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֔/וֹ פִּקְדוּ נָ֣א וּ/רְא֔וּ מִ֖י הָלַ֣ךְ מֵ/עִמָּ֑/נוּ וַֽ/יִּפְקְד֔וּ וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה אֵ֥ין יוֹנָתָ֖ן וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א כֵלָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
לָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אִתּ֔/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
פִּקְדוּ pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part
וּ/רְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מִ֖י mîy H4310 who? Part
הָלַ֣ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/עִמָּ֑/נוּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יִּפְקְד֔וּ pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
יוֹנָתָ֖ן Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan N-proper
וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal
כֵלָֽי/ו kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:17

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
לָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּ֔/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
פִּקְדוּ pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וּ/רְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מִ֖י mîy H4310 "who?" Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
הָלַ֣ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
מֵ/עִמָּ֑/נוּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וַֽ/יִּפְקְד֔וּ pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹנָתָ֖ן Yôwnâthân H3129 "Jonathan" N-proper
Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.
וְ/נֹשֵׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כֵלָֽי/ו kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

1 Samuel 14:17 Summary

In 1 Samuel 14:17, Saul orders a roll call to see who is missing from his troops, and he discovers that Jonathan and his armor-bearer are not there. This verse shows us that even in times of uncertainty, we can learn to trust God and have faith in His power, like Jonathan did when he attacked the Philistines with only his armor-bearer, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6. Just like Jonathan, we can trust God to be with us and guide us, even when things seem scary or unclear, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 28:20. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can have the courage to face challenges and make decisions that honor Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul order a roll call in 1 Samuel 14:17?

Saul ordered a roll call to determine who was missing from the troops, and it was discovered that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not present, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:17. This action shows Saul's concern for his men and his desire to know who had left his side.

What can we learn from Jonathan's absence in this verse?

Jonathan's absence in 1 Samuel 14:17 teaches us about the importance of obedience and trust in God, as seen in his actions in 1 Samuel 14:6. His decision to attack the Philistines with only his armor-bearer shows his faith in God's power and provision, similar to the faith exhibited by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is a pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 14, as it highlights the contrast between Saul's lack of faith and Jonathan's bold trust in God, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6-15. The discovery of Jonathan's absence sets the stage for the events that follow, including Saul's attempt to consult God through the priest in 1 Samuel 14:18-19.

What does this verse reveal about Saul's character?

This verse reveals Saul's growing concern and uncertainty, as he tries to understand the situation and make decisions, similar to his actions in 1 Samuel 13:11-12. In contrast to Jonathan's faith, Saul's actions demonstrate a lack of trust in God's power and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have felt uncertain or unsure, like Saul in this verse, and how can I learn to trust God in those moments, as Jonathan did in 1 Samuel 14:6?
  2. How can I demonstrate faith and trust in God, like Jonathan, in the face of challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10?
  3. What are some ways I can prioritize my relationship with God, like Jonathan, and seek His guidance and direction in my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:13?
  4. How can I balance my desire for control and understanding, like Saul, with a willingness to trust and obey God, even when the outcome is uncertain, as seen in Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 13:13?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:17

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him,.... To some of the officers, particularly the muster master; number now, and see who is gone from us: for he concluded that this agitation and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:17

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there. Said Saul ... Number now, and see who is gone from us.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:17

Saul probably supposed that not only Jonathan, but also some considerable number of his army, was gone, and that by them that slaughter was made.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:17

1 Samuel 14:17 Then said Saul unto the people that [were] with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer [were] not [there].Ver. 17. See who is gone from us,] viz., To make this trouble in the army of the Philistines.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:17

(17) Then said Saul . . .—When this panic which was taking place in the Philistine army was reported to King Saul, he naturally inquired as to what had caused it, knowing that he, as general-in-chief, had given no directions to any of his men to attack the enemy. In the little Israelitish force, when the roll was called, it was soon discovered who was missing.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:17

Verse 17. Number now] Saul perceived that the Philistines were routed, but could not tell by what means; supposing that it must be by some of his own troops, he called a muster to see who and how many were absent.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 14:17

17. Number now] The word denotes a muster or parade of the troop for inspection.

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