In this context the verb translated struck down may be rendered “routed” (New American Bible) or “killing” (Contemporary English Version). In either case the subduing of the Philistines is clearly indicated.

Moffatt has “from noon to nightfall” instead of from Michmash to Aijalon (which seems to be based on a conjecture). And Anchor Bible has simply “at Michmash.” This latter rendering is based on the Septuagint reading, but the longer reading seems more likely precisely because it is the more difficult one. Most major translations adopt the reading followed by Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

Michmash: as in verse 5.

Aijalon was located in the territory of Dan, about twenty-five kilometers (about twenty miles) west of Michmash, that is, toward the land of the Philistines, who were in retreat. The name Aijalon means “deer-field.”

The people, that is, the Israelite troops, were very faint. The verb form is unusual but almost certainly means “to be weary” or “to be tired” (see the comments on verse 28).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .