So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven.
The Lord himself saved Israel that day in the battle against the Philistines by defeating them and putting them to flight. The deliverance began through Jonathan and his armor-bearer, who in trust in God, faith, and courage attacked the Philistine garrison, with divine aid attending them. The Philistine camp was thrown into panic and confusion, so that its men turned and fought one another. The victory then spread through a wider pursuit, as Saul's army joined the assault and the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines and those who had deserted to them, together with the Israelites who had hidden themselves, came out and joined Saul and Jonathan in pursuing them.
The statement that the battle passed over unto Beth-aven marks how far the fighting and the deliverance extended. God brought about the victory for his own glory and honor alone, not because of Israel's righteousness, courage or valor, or wisdom, and so that the heathen would not triumph over his people or exalt themselves against him. Saul was denied the honor of defeating the Philistines because of his presumptuous sin.
The Lord himself saved Israel that day in the battle against the Philistines by defeating them and putting them to flight. The deliverance began through Jonathan and his armor-bearer, who in trust in God, faith, and courage attacked the Philistine garrison, with divine aid attending them. The Philistine camp was thrown into panic and confusion, so that its men turned and fought one another. The victory then spread through a wider pursuit, as Saul's army joined the assault and the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines and those who had deserted to them, together with the Israelites who had hidden themselves, came out and joined Saul and Jonathan in pursuing them.
The statement that the battle passed over unto Beth-aven marks how far the fighting and the deliverance extended. God brought about the victory for his own glory and honor alone, not because of Israel's righteousness, courage or valor, or wisdom, and so that the heathen would not triumph over his people or exalt themselves against him. Saul was denied the honor of defeating the Philistines because of his presumptuous sin.