16. Saul’s guards were at Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. They saw the Philistine soldiers running in every direction.
17. Saul said to his army, “Check and find who has left our camp.” When they checked, they learned that Jonathan and his officer were gone.
18. So Saul said to Ahijah the priest, “Bring the Ark of the Covenant of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)
19. While Saul was talking to the priest, the confusion in the Philistine camp was growing. Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Stop. There’s not time to pray now!”
20. Then Saul and the army with him gathered and entered the battle. They found the Philistines confused, even striking each other with their swords!
21. Earlier, there were Hebrews who had served the Philistines and had stayed in their camp. They now joined the Israelites with Saul and Jonathan.
22. All the Israelites hidden in the mountains of Ephraim heard that the Philistine soldiers were running away. They too joined the battle and chased the Philistines.
23. So the Lord saved the Israelites that day. And the battle moved on past Beth Aven.