1 Samuel 4:3-11 NASB,NASB

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:4

Which dwelleth between the cherubims. Literally, "which sitteth, i.e. is enthroned, upon the cherubim." The idea is not that of Jehovah's habitation, but of his seat in state as Israel's King. In bringing the ark they brought to the camp the throne of Jehovah, as their theocratic Ruler; but the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark, representing the immorality of the nation, whose very priests were abandoned men. We are not to suppose that there was any fault in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:6

But they, sure of its talismanic influence, shout for joy as they see its approach, and the Philistines ask the meaning of the great shout in the camp of the Hebrews. This name is constantly given to the Israelites by those not belonging to them, and probably has a certain amount of animosity in it, as showing that they were foreigners; literally, passers over, people who in the person of Abraham had come from the other side of the Euphrates, and having began as feeble immigrants, had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:8

These mighty Gods. In Hebrew "Elohim, though plural, is used of the one true God, but in this sense has always the verb or adjective belonging to it in the singular. In 1 Samuel 4:7 the Philistines conform to this rule, and say, Elohim is come; but here the verb, pronoun, and adjective are all plural, i.e. they speak as heathen, to whom polytheism was natural. With all the plagues. Rather, "with every plague," i.e. with every kind of plague. In the wilderness. God did not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:9

Be strong. But, as is often the case, despair served only to nerve them to bitter determination. The greatness of the danger—for as heathen the Philistines fully believed that the ark would act as a charm—and the fearful alternative of being servants , i.e. slaves to those who not so very long ago had been slaves to them, made them resolve to do their very utmost. The result was a complete victory. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:10

Israel fled every man into —better to— his tent. Their camp stood them this time in no stead. It was stormed by the Philistines, and the whole army fled in confusion. In those days the Israelites dwelt in tents, and to flee "every man to his tent" means that they fled away in every direction, each to his own home. It is in this indiscriminate flight that an army suffers most. As long as men keep together the loss is comparatively slight. But now, thus utterly broken, there fell of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

Moreover, the ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain, according to the prediction of the man of God. Probably the last resistance was made round the ark, and the sons of Eli at least died "as men" ( 1 Samuel 2:33 ). THE OVERTHROW OF ELI 'S HOUSE ( 1 Samuel 4:12-22 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

Symbol and spiritual truth. "And the ark of God was taken." The ark was a Divinely appointed symbol or material sign of spiritual truth, and especially of the presence and majesty, the holiness, mercy, and protection, of the invisible King of Israel. It was a part of a system of symbolical worship which was adapted to an early stage of human culture, and formed an important element in a dispensation introductory and preparatory to "the ministration of the Spirit" ( 2 Corinthians 3:8 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

The ark misplaced and lost. The elders of Israel were chagrined at the defeat suffered by the national army in its attempt to throw off the yoke of the Philistines. But, instead of seeking the Lord by repentance, they fell on a device to compel him, as they supposed, to give them a victory. Had not the ark been carried round the walls of Jericho, when Israel had no engines of siege to bring against a fortified city; and had not the walls fallen flat to the ground? Why not try its power... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:3

In the evening of the defeat of the Israelites the elders held a council, and resolved to send for the ark, which is described in full, as implying that in virtue of the covenant God could not but give them the victory (compare Numbers 10:35; Joshua 3:10). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:4

The people sent - The expression is very indicative of the political state so frequently noted by the writer of the Book of Judges, “In those days there was no king in Israel.” read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:6

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:8

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:9

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:10

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:4

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