King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:18 in the King James Version says “And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 14:18 · KJV


Context

16

And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

17

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.

18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

19

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand. noise: or, tumult

20

And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. assembled: Heb. were cried together


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

Saul's request for 'the ark of God' indicates desire for divine guidance through proper religious channels. Yet his consultation contrasts with Jonathan's active faith. The note that 'the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel' marks a change from when the Philistines captured it (chapters 4-6). Saul reaches for religious ritual while God works through individual faith. The ark represents God's presence, but presence without obedience proves futile.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After the ark's return from Philistia, it remained at Kiriath-jearim (7:1-2) rather than at Shiloh, which was apparently destroyed. Saul's summons of the ark indicates desire for tangible divine presence to guide military decisions. Some manuscripts read 'ephod' instead of 'ark,' referring to the priestly garment used for obtaining divine guidance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious rituals become substitutes for living faith?
  2. What is the difference between seeking God's presence and seeking His guidance through obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 14

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 14

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לַֽאֲחִיָּ֔ה3 of 14

unto Ahiah

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

הַגִּ֖ישָׁה4 of 14

Bring hither

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֲר֧וֹן5 of 14

For the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים6 of 14

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּֽי7 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיָ֞ה8 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲר֧וֹן9 of 14

For the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים10 of 14

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּיּ֥וֹם11 of 14

was at that time

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא12 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבְנֵ֥י13 of 14

with the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 14

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 14:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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