1 Samuel 14:15

14:15 Then fear overwhelmed 1  those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God. 2 

1 Samuel 25:31

25:31 Your conscience will not be overwhelmed with guilt 3  for having poured out innocent blood and for having taken matters into your own hands. When the Lord has granted my lord success, 4  please remember your servant.”

1 tn Heb “fell upon.”

2 tn Heb “and it was by the fear of God.” The translation understands this to mean that God was the source or cause of the fear experienced by the Philistines. This seems to be the most straightforward reading of the sentence. It is possible, however, that the word “God” functions here simply to intensify the accompanying word “fear,” in which one might translate “a very great fear” (cf. NAB, NRSV). It is clear that on some occasions that the divine name carries such a superlative nuance. For examples see Joüon 2:525 §141.n.

3 tn Heb “and this will not be for you for staggering and for stumbling of the heart of my lord.”

4 tn Heb “and the Lord will do well for my lord.”