1 Samuel 14:22-24

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²² Likewise, when all the Israelites who had gone into hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also followed closely after them in the battle.^{(A) 23} So the Lord gave Israel the victory that day.

The battle passed beyond Beth-aven, and the troops with Saul numbered altogether about ten thousand men.^[a] The battle spread out over the hill country of Ephraim.^(B)

Saul’s Rash Oath

²⁴ Now Saul committed a very rash act on that day.^[b] He had laid an oath on the troops, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before it is evening and I have been avenged on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted food.^(C)