CINXE.COM

<!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 4:12 That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/09_1Sa_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:12 - The Death of Eli" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/4-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/4-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:11">◄</a> 1 Samuel 4:12 <a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line and went to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the battlefield and arrived at Shiloh later that same day. He had torn his clothes and put dust on his head to show his grief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn, and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day with his robes torn and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now a man [from the tribe] of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh that same day with his clothes torn and dust on his head [as signs of mourning over the disaster].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That same day, a Benjaminite man ran from the battle and came to Shiloh. His clothes were torn, and there was dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That same day, a Benjaminite man ran from the battle and came to Shiloh. His clothes were torn, and there was dirt on his head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />That same day a soldier from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the battlefront to Shiloh. He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show his sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the front line of the battle. He went to Shiloh that day with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran all the way from the battlefield to Shiloh and arrived there the same day. To show his grief, he had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />That very same day, a man who was a descendant of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh, with his garments torn and dirt on his head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />On that day a Benjaminite ran from the battle lines and came to Shiloh. His clothes were torn and dirt was on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn, and with earth on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man of Benjamin ran out of the army and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And a man of Benjamin runs out of the ranks, and comes into Shiloh, on that day, and his long robes [are] torn, and earth [is] on his head;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And a man of Benjamin runneth out of the ranks, and cometh into Shiloh, on that day, and his long robes are rent, and earth on his head;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And a man of Benjamin will run from the array, and he will come to Shiloh in that day; and his garments rent and earth upon his head.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Silo the same day, with his clothes rent, and his head strewed with dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now a man of Benjamin, rushing from the troops, arrived at Shiloh on the same day, with his clothing torn, and with his head sprinkled with dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A Benjaminite fled from the battlefield and reached Shiloh that same day, with his clothes torn and his head covered with dirt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with earth upon his head.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin from the battle line, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent and with earth upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a man ran from those of the house of Benjamin from the front line, and he came to Shiloh on that day as he ripped his garments and had earth on his head<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the battle, and he came to Selom on that day: and his clothes <i>were</i> rent, and earth <i>was</i> upon his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1081" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">The Death of Eli</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">That same</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: bin·yā·min (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">a Benjamite</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: way·yā·rāṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">ran</a> <a href="/hebrew/4634.htm" title="4634: mê·ham·ma·‘ă·rā·ḵāh (Prep-m, Art:: N-fs) -- Row, rank, battle line. Feminine of ma'arak; an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array.">from the battle line</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">all the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/7887.htm" title="7887: ši·lōh (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Ephraim. Or Shiloh; or Shiylow; or Shilow; from the same as Shiyloh; Shiloh, a place in Palestine.">to Shiloh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4055.htm" title="4055: ū·mad·dāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Or med; from madad; properly, extent, i.e. Height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture; also a carpet.">with his clothes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: qə·ru·‘îm (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">torn</a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: wa·’ă·ḏā·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">and dirt</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his head.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">2 Samuel 1:2</a></span><br />On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-27</a></span><br />Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.” / So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-42.htm">1 Kings 1:42</a></span><br />As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/7-10.htm">2 Kings 7:10-11</a></span><br />So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” / The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-19.htm">Jeremiah 4:19-20</a></span><br />My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. / Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/48-19.htm">Jeremiah 48:19-20</a></span><br />Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping, ‘What has happened?’ / Moab is put to shame, for it has been shattered. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a></span><br />Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29-34</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, / returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” / Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a></span><br />Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-34.htm">Judges 11:34-35</a></span><br />And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her. / As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">2 Samuel 15:32</a></span><br />When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Matthew 26:65</a></span><br />At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-63.htm">Mark 14:63</a></span><br />At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Luke 24:13-35</a></span><br />That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. / They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. / And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-4.htm">John 20:4-8</a></span><br />The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. / He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. / Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth on his head.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">2 Samuel 1:2</a></b></br> It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and <i>so</i> it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.</p><p class="hdg">with earth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a></b></br> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">2 Samuel 13:19</a></b></br> And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that <i>was</i> on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">2 Samuel 15:32</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that <i>when</i> David was come to the top <i>of the mount</i>, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/judges/21-23.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/21-18.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-5.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-6.htm">Ranks</a> <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-5.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-5.htm">Running</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Shiloh</a> <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Torn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-13.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Line</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Ranks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-24.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Running</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">Shiloh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">Torn</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>That same day</b><br>The phrase "that same day" indicates the immediacy of the events following the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. This highlights the urgency and significance of the news being delivered. The context is the defeat of Israel and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.<p><b>a Benjamite ran from the battle line</b><br>The mention of a Benjamite is significant as the tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors (<a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Judges 20:16</a>). This individual likely had the responsibility to deliver news, a common practice in ancient times. The tribe of Benjamin later becomes significant with the rise of King Saul, Israel's first king, who was also a Benjamite.<p><b>all the way to Shiloh</b><br>Shiloh was the religious center of Israel at the time, where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were located. It was a place of worship and pilgrimage, making it a central location for receiving such critical news. Archaeological evidence suggests Shiloh was a significant settlement during this period.<p><b>with his clothes torn and dirt on his head</b><br>These actions were traditional expressions of mourning and distress in ancient Israelite culture (<a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a>, <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12</a>). Tearing one's clothes and putting dirt on the head symbolized grief and despair, indicating the gravity of the situation. This imagery underscores the catastrophic loss Israel faced with the defeat and the capture of the Ark.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamite.htm">Benjamite</a></b><br>A man from the tribe of Benjamin who serves as the messenger bringing news from the battlefield. His actions and appearance signify mourning and distress.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_line.htm">Battle Line</a></b><br>Refers to the location where the Israelites were engaged in battle with the Philistines. This battle was significant as it resulted in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a></b><br>The religious center of Israel at the time, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was a place of worship and the dwelling of the high priest Eli.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/clothes_torn_and_dust_on_head.htm">Clothes Torn and Dust on Head</a></b><br>Traditional signs of mourning and distress in ancient Israelite culture, indicating the gravity of the news being delivered.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, the Ark's capture is the central event of the chapter, symbolizing a significant spiritual and national crisis for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_bad_news.htm">The Weight of Bad News</a></b><br>The Benjamite's appearance underscores the seriousness of the message he carries. In our lives, how we deliver and receive difficult news can reflect our understanding of its impact.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_expressions_of_grief.htm">Cultural Expressions of Grief</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of mourning in biblical times can deepen our empathy and connection with the accounts of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_messengers.htm">The Role of Messengers</a></b><br>The Benjamite's role highlights the importance of truth-telling and the responsibility of those who bear news, whether good or bad.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_significance_of_shiloh.htm">Spiritual Significance of Shiloh</a></b><br>As a place of worship and the presence of God, Shiloh's mention reminds us of the centrality of God's presence in our lives and the consequences when it is neglected.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_crisis.htm">Responding to Crisis</a></b><br>The Israelites' defeat and the capture of the Ark challenge us to consider how we respond to spiritual and personal crises, urging us to seek God earnestly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_shiloh's_destruction.htm">Jeremiah 7:12: Is there any archaeological evidence confirming the fate of Shiloh and the claims made about its destruction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_early_israelites_offer_firstfruits.htm">How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">And there ran a man of Benjamin.</span>--The Rabbinical tradition relates that this messenger was Saul, who snatched from Goliath the tables of the Law taken out of the Ark, in order to save them. The whole of this account is so vivid, and is so full of detail that it must have come from some eye-witness--probably from Samuel himself. These swift runners are still employed to carry news in war time in the East. In the sacred story we possess several important instances of such messages: for instance, in the account of Absalom's death, Cushi and Ahimaaz bring the tidings from Joab to King David (<a href="/context/2_samuel/18-21.htm" title="Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what you have seen. And Cushi bowed himself to Joab, and ran.">2Samuel 18:21-27</a>). Asahel, the son of Zeruiah, the sister of David, is mentioned as being famous for his running (<a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm" title="And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.">2Samuel 2:18</a>). Elijah, again, we hear, once outran the chariot of Ahab between Carmel and Jezreel. Phidippides, when sent to urge the people of Sparta to come to the help of the Athenians against the Persians, arrived at Sparta on the second day after his departure from Athens (Herodotus, 6:105, 6). Running seems to have been an exercise specially cultivated among the athletes of old times.<p>The rent clothes and the earth upon the head were the usual indications that the news brought by the messenger were tidings of evil.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">There ran a man of Benjamin.</span> The whole story is told with so much vividness, and is so full of exact particulars, that it must have come from an eyewitness, probably from Samuel himself. According to Jewish tradition, this Benjamite was no other than Saul, but the chronology is at variance with this supposition. The importance in old time, when even roads did not exist, of men capable of running long distances to carry news in war is evident, and many instances are recorded showing the high appreciation in which their services were held Thus the running of the Cushite and of Ahimaaz forms an interesting episode in the pathetic history of Absalom's death (<a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-31</a>). So Herodotus mentions that Pheidippides, when sent to urge the people of Sparta to come to the help of the Athenians against the Persians, arrived there on the second day after his departure from Athens (Herod., 6:105, 106). Shiloh, apparently, was but a comparatively short distance from Eben-ezer, as the runner arrived there on the evening of the very day on which the battle was fought. The rent clothes and the earth upon the head were the usual signs in token that some great calamity had taken place (<a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">2 Samuel 1:2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">That same</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֑וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a Benjamite</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְיָמִן֙</span> <span class="translit">(bin·yā·min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ran</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤רָץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·rāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the battle line</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהַמַּ֣עֲרָכָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ham·ma·‘ă·rā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4634.htm">Strong's 4634: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, a pile, a military array</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all the way</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Shiloh,</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁלֹ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ši·lōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7887.htm">Strong's 7887: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with his clothes</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַדָּ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mad·dāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4055.htm">Strong's 4055: </a> </span><span class="str2">Extent, height, a measure, a vesture, a carpet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">torn</span><br /><span class="heb">קְרֻעִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ru·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and dirt</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲדָמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḏā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ground, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his head.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:12 There ran a man of Benjamin out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:13" /></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>