Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 14:16

"And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went [hither] and thither." — 1 Samuel 14:16 (ASV)

Multitude - The word is translated as "tumult" in the margin note for 1 Samuel 14:19. It must have the same meaning here. The sentence is obscure and likely corrupt; perhaps it means, “and behold the tumult! and it went on” (or increased) “melting away and beating down.”