Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in Mount Ephraim,.... In the caves and rocks, thickets and pits there, see 1Sa 13:6 whenthey heard that the Philistines fled; now being delivered from their fears, and thinking themselves safe, ventured out of their lurking places:even they also followed hard after them in the battle; they joined the pursuers who came their way, and stuck to them, and closely pursued the flying army of the Philistines.
According to Josephus , the army of Saul was now increased to 10,000. Antiqu. l. 6. c. 6. sect.