King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 4:4 Mean?

1 Samuel 4:4 in the King James Version says “So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwel...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 4:4 · KJV

Context

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. they joined: Heb. the battle was spread army: Heb. array

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. fetch: Heb. take unto us

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.

Read 1 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Ark's arrival with Hophni and Phinehas - the very priests under judgment - seals Israel's fate. The full title 'the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims' emphasizes the Ark's significance, making its subsequent capture more shocking. The condemned priests accompany the Ark to war, ensuring that God's judgment will encompass both priesthood and people. The Ark will not save those who treat it as a lucky charm while ignoring the God it represents.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The elaborate title emphasizes the Ark's holiness and significance. 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth) designates God as commander of heaven's armies. 'Dwelleth between the cherubims' references the mercy seat where God's presence rested. All this glory will not prevent the coming disaster.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the presence of doomed priests doom the military expedition?
  2. How does the full title of the Ark heighten the coming tragedy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 22

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הָעָם֙2 of 22

“So the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

שִׁלֹ֔ה3 of 22

“to Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ4 of 22

“that they might bring”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִשָּׁ֗ם5 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֵ֣ת6 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲרוֹן֙7 of 22

“from thence the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית8 of 22

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֛ה9 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֖וֹת10 of 22

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

יֹשֵׁ֣ב11 of 22

“which dwelleth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים12 of 22

“between the cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

וְשָׁ֞ם13 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְׁנֵ֣י14 of 22

“and the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵֽי15 of 22

“sons”

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

עֵלִ֗י16 of 22

“of Eli”

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

עִם17 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲרוֹן֙18 of 22

“from thence the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית19 of 22

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים20 of 22

“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

חָפְנִ֖י21 of 22

“Hophni”

H2652

chophni, an israelite

וּפִֽינְחָֽס׃22 of 22

“and Phinehas”

H6372

pinechas, the name of three israelites

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 4:4 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 4:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:2Psalms 80:1Numbers 7:89Psalms 99:12 Kings 19:15Psalms 50:16-17

Places in This Verse

ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 4 →

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