5. chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim--that is, unto
the "breakings" or "fissures" at the opening of the passes.
and smote them in the going down--that is, the declivity or slope of
the deep, rugged, adjoining wady.
wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water--It is
evident that the troops engaged were a tumultuary, undisciplined band,
no better skilled in military affairs than the Bedouin Arabs, who
become disheartened and flee on the loss of ten or fifteen men. But the
consternation of the Israelites arose from another cause--the evident
displeasure of God, who withheld that aid on which they had confidently
reckoned.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible