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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 4:2 The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/09_1Sa_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:2 - The Philistines Capture the Ark" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the Philistines drew up in battle formation to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Philistines drew up in battle array to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the Philistines drew up in battle array to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the Philistines arranged themselves to meet Israel. Then the battle spread, and Israel was defeated before the Philistines who struck down about 4,000 men on the battlefield. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The Philistines assembled in battle formation to meet Israel, and when the battle was over, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistines lined up in battle formation against Israel, and as the battle intensified, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistines lined up in battle formation against Israel, and as the battle intensified, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about4,000 men on the battlefield. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Philistines made a fierce attack. They defeated the Israelites and killed about 4,000 of them. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Philistines organized their troops to meet Israel in battle. As the battle spread, the Philistines defeated Israel and killed about 4,000 soldiers in the field. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Philistines attacked, and after fierce fighting they defeated the Israelites and killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The Philistines arranged their forces to fight Israel. As the battle spread out, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men in the battle line in the field. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was struck before the Philistines; and they killed of the army in the field about four thousand men. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a> The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel. When they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Philistines set themselves in array to meet Israel, and the battle spreads itself, and Israel is struck before the Philistines, and they strike among the ranks in the field about four thousand men. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the Philistines set themselves in array to meet Israel, and the battle spreadeth itself, and Israel is smitten before the Philistines, and they smite among the ranks in the field about four thousand men. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Philisteim will set in array to meet Israel: and the battle will smite, and Israel will be smitten before Philisteim: and they will strike the array in the field, about four thousand men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And put their army in array against Israel. And when they had joined battle, Israel turned their backs to the Philistines, and there was slain in that fight here and there in the fields about four thousand men. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and they positioned their troops against Israel. Then, when the conflict began, Israel turned his back to the Philistines. And they were cut down in that conflict, in various places in the fields, about four thousand men. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The Philistines then drew up in battle formation against Israel. After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle was joined, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel; and when they fought, Israel was defeated before the Philistines; and there were slain on the battlefield about four thousand men. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Philistines were arrayed against Israel and there was a battle, and Israel was defeated before the Philistines, and about four thousand men in array were killed in the field<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel; and when the battle was spread, Israel was smitten before the Philistines; and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Philistines prepare to fight with Israel, and the battle was turned against them; and the men of Israel fell before the Philistines, and there were smitten in the battle in the field four thousand men. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=960" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">The Philistines Capture the Ark</a> 1Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. 2<a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">The Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/6186.htm" title="6186: way·ya·‘ar·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To set in a, row, arrange, put in order. A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order.">arrayed themselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">and as the battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5203.htm" title="5203: wat·tiṭ·ṭōš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; properly, to pound, i.e. Smite; by implication to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon.">spread,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5062.htm" title="5062: way·yin·nā·ḡep̄ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To strike, smite. A primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict.">was defeated</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yak·kū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">who struck down</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: kə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ (Prep-k:: Number-msc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">about four</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/4634.htm" title="4634: ḇam·ma·‘ă·rā·ḵāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Row, rank, battle line. Feminine of ma'arak; an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array.">on the battlefield.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: baś·śā·ḏeh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field."></a> 3When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/20-21.htm">Judges 20:21</a> And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day. <a href="/judges/20-25.htm">Judges 20:25</a> That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords. <a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">1 Samuel 2:32</a> You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. <a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">1 Samuel 7:3-4</a> Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” / So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD. <a href="/1_samuel/12-9.htm">1 Samuel 12:9</a> But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. <a href="/1_samuel/13-19.htm">1 Samuel 13:19-20</a> And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.” / Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. <a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">1 Samuel 14:22</a> When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">2 Samuel 1:4</a> “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17</a> When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. <a href="/2_kings/13-3.htm">2 Kings 13:3</a> So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. <a href="/psalms/78-60.htm">Psalm 78:60-64</a> He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. / He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. / He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage. ... <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-6</a> Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. <a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">Jeremiah 7:12-14</a> But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. / And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, / therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers. <a href="/jeremiah/46-15.htm">Jeremiah 46:15</a> Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.put<a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">1 Samuel 17:8,21</a> And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me… <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Joshua 7:5-8,12</a> And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water… <a href="/psalms/44-9.htm">Psalm 44:9,10</a> But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies… and they<a href="/psalms/79-7.htm">Psalm 79:7,8</a> For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place… <a href="/psalms/106-40.htm">Psalm 106:40,41</a> Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance… <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Lamentations 3:40</a> Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.the army [heb] the array <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/11-20.htm">Army</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/judges/20-37.htm">Deployed</a> <a href="/ruth/4-8.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/20-45.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ruth/1-14.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/20-32.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/judges/21-10.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-24.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Spreadeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/21-10.htm">Thousand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">Deployed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-6.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-13.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-14.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-11.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">Spreadeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Thousand</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 4</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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They were a sea-faring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, particularly in the five city-states of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Their military prowess and use of iron weaponry made them formidable opponents. This conflict is part of a series of battles between Israel and the Philistines, highlighting the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. The Philistines' opposition to Israel can be seen as a representation of the spiritual battles God's people face against worldly powers.and as the battle spread The phrase indicates the intensity and expansion of the conflict. Battles in ancient times often involved hand-to-hand combat and could spread over large areas as forces engaged. The spreading of the battle suggests a lack of control and organization on Israel's part, possibly due to the absence of strong leadership. This chaotic nature of the battle reflects the spiritual disarray of Israel during this period, as they were often led astray by idolatry and disobedience to God.Israel was defeated by the Philistines This defeat is significant as it underscores Israel's spiritual state. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel's military success is often linked to their faithfulness to God. Their defeat here can be seen as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of reliance on God. This event foreshadows the need for a godly leader, which will eventually be fulfilled in the kingship of David, a type of Christ who brings victory and peace to God's people.who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield The loss of four thousand men is a substantial defeat, indicating the severity of the situation. This number highlights the cost of Israel's disobedience and serves as a wake-up call for the nation to return to God. The specific mention of the battlefield emphasizes the physical and spiritual battlegrounds where God's people must remain vigilant. This loss can be compared to other instances in Scripture where Israel suffers due to their unfaithfulness, such as the defeat at Ai in <a href="/joshua/7.htm">Joshua 7</a>. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and strength in all endeavors.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A significant enemy of Israel during this period, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who are in a period of moral and spiritual decline, leading to their defeat. 3. <a href="/topical/b/battlefield.htm">Battlefield</a> The location where the conflict between the Philistines and Israelites takes place, symbolizing the physical and spiritual struggles of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/d/defeat.htm">Defeat</a> The Israelites suffer a significant loss, with about four thousand men killed, highlighting the consequences of their disobedience to God. 5. <a href="/topical/d/deployment.htm">Deployment</a> The strategic positioning of the Philistine forces, indicating their preparedness and tactical advantage over Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> Israel's defeat serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Disobedience leads to spiritual and physical defeat. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparedness.htm">Spiritual Preparedness</a> Just as the Philistines were strategically prepared, believers must be spiritually prepared to face battles in life, through prayer, study, and obedience to God's Word. <a href="/topical/n/national_and_personal_sin.htm">National and Personal Sin</a> The account illustrates how national sin can lead to collective suffering. It encourages personal and communal repentance and seeking God's guidance. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the defeat, God remains sovereign. This event sets the stage for future redemption and victory, reminding us that God’s plans are ultimately for our good. <a href="/topical/l/learning_from_history.htm">Learning from History</a> Reflecting on past failures can guide us to make better choices. Israel's history is a lesson in the importance of faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 4</a> <a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a> <a href="/q/who_killed_saul__himself_or_amalekite.htm">Who killed Saul? Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.... Thus Saul died... (I Samuel 31:4-6) An Amalekite slew him (2 Samuel 1:1- 16)</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_31_and_1_chr_10_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 31's account of Saul's death align with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, which portrays his demise as divine judgment?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_thunder_aid_victory_in_1_sam_7_10.htm">How can the thunder in 1 Samuel 7:10 be scientifically explained as a decisive factor in a military victory?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - In the field means "in the open country." By a gradual change of language it now signifies cultivated ground, and even an enclosure, whereas in the A.V. it retains its old meaning of unenclosed and uncultivated land (see <a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm">2 Kings 4:39</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֜ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia arrayed themselves וַיַּעַרְכ֨וּ (way·ya·‘ar·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6186.htm">Strong's 6186: </a> To set in a, row, arrange, put in order against לִקְרַ֣את (liq·raṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> To encounter, befall Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and as the battle הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war spread, וַתִּטֹּשׁ֙ (wat·tiṭ·ṭōš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5203.htm">Strong's 5203: </a> To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc was defeated וַיִּנָּ֥גֶף (way·yin·nā·ḡep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5062.htm">Strong's 5062: </a> To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict by לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the Philistines, פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia who struck down וַיַּכּ֤וּ (way·yak·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike about four כְּאַרְבַּ֥עַת (kə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ) Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> Four thousand אֲלָפִ֖ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand men אִֽישׁ׃ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person on the battlefield. בַמַּֽעֲרָכָה֙ (ḇam·ma·‘ă·rā·ḵāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4634.htm">Strong's 4634: </a> An arrangement, a pile, a military array <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:2 The Philistines put themselves in array against (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>