1 Samuel 4

¹ And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.

² And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.

³ And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

⁴ So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

⁵ And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

⁶ And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What [meaneth] the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

⁷ And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.

⁸ Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these [are] the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

⁹ Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

¹⁰ And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

¹¹ And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

¹² And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

¹³ And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told [it], all the city cried out.

¹⁴ And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What [meaneth] the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.

¹⁵ Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.

¹⁶ And the man said unto Eli, I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

¹⁷ And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.

¹⁸ And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

¹⁹ And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, [near] to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

²⁰ And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

²¹ And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

²² And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Summary of 1 Samuel Chapter 4

1 Samuel Chapter 4 narrates a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, highlighting themes of defeat, the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, and the consequences of disobedience to God. The chapter illustrates the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, leading to a catastrophic battle and the loss of the Ark.

Key Events

1. Israel’s Defeat by the Philistines
   • The Israelites go to battle against the Philistines at Ebenezer.
   • Despite their efforts, they suffer a significant defeat, with about 4,000 men killed.
2. The Decision to Bring the Ark
   • In response to their defeat, the elders of Israel decide to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh.
   • They believe that the presence of the Ark will ensure victory against the Philistines.
3. The Arrival of the Ark
   • The Ark is brought into the Israelite camp, accompanied by Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
   • The arrival of the Ark causes great excitement among the Israelites, leading to loud shouts that terrify the Philistines.
4. The Battle and the Loss of the Ark
   • Despite the initial morale boost, the Israelites face another defeat, with 30,000 foot soldiers killed.
   • The Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant, marking a significant spiritual and military loss for Israel.
5. The Death of Eli
   • A messenger brings news of the defeat and the capture of the Ark to Eli, who is blind and heavy with age.
   • Upon hearing the news, Eli falls backward from his seat and dies, marking the end of his family’s priestly line.
6. The Birth of Ichabod
   • Eli’s daughter-in-law, pregnant at the time of the battle, goes into labor upon hearing the news of the Ark’s capture and Eli’s death.
   • She names her son Ichabod, signifying the glory has departed from Israel.

Theological Themes

• The Ark of the Covenant
  • The Ark symbolizes God’s presence among His people, and its capture represents divine judgment.
  • The belief that the Ark could guarantee victory highlights Israel’s misunderstanding of God’s power and the sacredness of the Ark.
• Consequences of Disobedience
  • The chapter illustrates the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and lack of faith in God.
  • The reliance on the Ark as a talisman rather than a true relationship with God leads to disaster.
• Leadership and Responsibility
  • Eli’s failure as a leader and father is highlighted, as he did not restrain his sons or guide Israel properly.
  • The chapter serves as a warning about the importance of righteous leadership and accountability.

Historical Context

This chapter occurs during a time of significant turmoil for Israel, as they are facing external threats from the Philistines. The loss of the Ark and the defeat in battle mark a low point in Israel’s history, reflecting the ongoing struggle for identity and faithfulness to God amidst challenges.

Conclusion

1 Samuel Chapter 4 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of genuine faith. The events leading to the loss of the Ark underscore the need for true obedience and reliance on God’s power rather than mere symbols of His presence.