King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 4:16 Mean?
“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? is: Heb. is the thing”
Context
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. were dim: Heb. stood
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? is: Heb. is the thing
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **I fled to day out of the army.**—The fatal battle had taken place very early that same morning. The utter rout, the awful slaughter, the death of Hophni and Phinehas, and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant, all this the messenger knew, and with this terrible news had hasted to the seat of the government—the now empty sanctuary.
The very words of the runner were remembered. The whole vivid scene was evidently related by a bystander—some have even suggested that it was Samuel who stood by Eli’s side.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:16 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 4:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge