1 Samuel 14:48
ESV
And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.
NIV
He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.
NASB
And he acted valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, and saved Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.
CSB
He fought bravely, defeated the Amalekites, and rescued Israel from those who plundered them.
NLT
He performed great deeds and conquered the Amalekites, saving Israel from all those who had plundered them.
KJV
And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.
NKJV
And he gathered an army and attacked the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.
What does 1 Samuel 14:48 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on 1 Samuel chapter 14, verse-level content coming soon!First Samuel 14:47–52 concludes the chapter by summing up Saul's kingship over Israel. Saul's reign is marked by successful battles against Israel's enemies on every side, though he never fully defeats the Philistines. The names of the royal family are listed. Saul drafts every strong and valiant man he sees into Israel's standing army.
God sparks panic among the Philistines after Jonathan boldly attacks and kills twenty of the enemy. When Saul sees the Philistines are scattering and killing each other, the Israelites pursue them out of the region. The Lord remains silent when Saul asks if they should attack the Philistines by night. Lots cast to reveal sin among them fall on Jonathan, who broke an oath of the king which he did not know about. The people refuse to allow Saul to execute Jonathan for this crime. Saul does not pursue the Philistines that night, but throughout his days as king he experiences success over them and other enemies such as the Moabites, Ammonites, Amalekites, and Edomites.
