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And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:4 - The Philistines Capture the Ark" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God." /><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><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/4-4.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/4-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/4-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:3">◄</a> 1 Samuel 4:4 <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:5">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4.htm">New International Version</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli&#8217s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD of armies who is enthroned above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of hosts who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So the people sent word to Shiloh, and from there they carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh to bring back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh to bring back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. Eli&#8217s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> So the people sent to Shiloh; and they brought from thence the ark of the covenant of Jehovah of hosts, who sitteth above the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The army sent some soldiers to bring back the sacred chest from Shiloh, because the LORD All-Powerful has his throne on the winged creatures on top of the chest. As Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, <a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which sitteth upon the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The troops sent some men who brought back the ark of the promise of the LORD of Armies-who is enthroned over the angels. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with God's ark. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> So they sent messengers to Shiloh and got the Covenant Box of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> So the people sent word to Shiloh and took away from there the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, who sits above the cherubim. Now the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a> So the army sent to Shiloh, and they took from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts who sits between the cherubim. Now the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the people sent to Shiloh; and they brought from there the ark of the LORD, who sits above the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwelleth between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the people send to Shiloh, and they take from there the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH of Hosts, inhabiting the cherubim, and there [are] two sons of Eli with the Ark of the Covenant of God, Hophni and Phinehas. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the people sendeth to Shiloh, and they take up thence the ark of the covenant of Jehovah of Hosts, inhabiting the cherubs, and there are two sons of Eli, with the ark of the covenant of God, Hophni and Phinehas. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the people will send to Shiloh, and they will lift up from thence the ark of the covenant of Jehovah of armies, sitting upon the Cherubims: and there the two sons of Eli with the ark of the covenant of God, Hophni and Phinehas.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So the people sent to Silo, and they brought from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts sitting upon the cherubims: and the two sons of Heli, Ophni and Phinees, were with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, sitting upon the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a> So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, accompanied the ark of God. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwells upon the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of the LORD. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the people sent to Shiloh and they picked up from there the Ark of the Covenant of LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, dwelling on the Cherubim, and there were the two sons of Eli with the Ark of the Covenant of LORD JEHOVAH, Khaphni and Phinkhas<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who sitteth upon the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the people sent to Selom, and they take thence the ark of the Lord who dwells between the cherubs: and both the sons of Heli, Ophni and Phinees, were with the ark. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-4.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=991" 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> …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.” 4<a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">So the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</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.">men to Shiloh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">and they brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">back</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ- (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">of the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">who sits enthroned</a> <a href="/hebrew/3742.htm" title="3742: hak·kə·ru·ḇîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Probably an order of angelic beings. An angelic being.">between the cherubim.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê (Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">And the two</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5941.htm" title="5941: ‘ê·lî (N-proper-ms) -- A priest at Shiloh. From alah; lofty; Eli, an Israelite high-priest.">of Eli,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2652.htm" title="2652: ḥā·p̄ə·nî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Eli. From chophen; perhaps pugilist; Chophni, an Israelite.">Hophni</a> <a href="/hebrew/6372.htm" title="6372: ū·p̄î·nə·ḥās (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Three Isr. Apparently from peh and a variation of nachash; mouth of a serpent; Pinechas, the name of three Israelites.">and Phinehas,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: wə·šām (Conj-w:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">were there</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">of the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> 5When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground.…<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="/exodus/25-22.htm">Exodus 25:22</a> And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Numbers 7:89</a> When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. <a href="/joshua/3-3.htm">Joshua 3:3</a> and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. <a href="/joshua/6-6.htm">Joshua 6:6</a> So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">2 Samuel 6:2</a> And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. <a href="/1_kings/8-6.htm">1 Kings 8:6</a> Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. <a href="/2_kings/19-15.htm">2 Kings 19:15</a> And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. <a href="/1_chronicles/13-6.htm">1 Chronicles 13:6</a> David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name. <a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">1 Chronicles 15:25-28</a> So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. / And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. / Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/5-7.htm">2 Chronicles 5:7</a> Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Psalm 99:1</a> The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! <a href="/isaiah/37-16.htm">Isaiah 37:16</a> “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. <a href="/jeremiah/3-16.htm">Jeremiah 3:16</a> “In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made. <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a> containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.which dwelleth<a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">2 Samuel 6:2</a> And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.<a href="/2_kings/19-15.htm">2 Kings 19:15</a> And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.<a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.the cherubims<a href="/exodus/25-18.htm">Exodus 25:18-22</a> And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat… <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Numbers 7:89</a> And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.Hophni<a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17,22</a> Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD… <a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16,17</a> But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … <a href="/malachi/1-9.htm">Malachi 1:9</a> And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.with the ark<a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Numbers 4:5,15</a> And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/ruth/2-18.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Cherubim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-18.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-14.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/revelation/18-7.htm">Enthroned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">Hophni</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">Phin'ehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Shiloh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/judges/21-24.htm">Thence</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-1.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">Cherubim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-11.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">Enthroned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Hophni</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Phin'ehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Shiloh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-3.htm">Thence</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'; </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>So the people sent men to Shiloh Shiloh was the religious center of Israel during the time of the Judges, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were located. It was a significant site for worship and pilgrimage. The decision to send men to Shiloh indicates the Israelites' desire to bring the presence of God into their battle against the Philistines, reflecting a belief in the Ark's power to ensure victory.and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them. The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the armies of heaven and earth, underscoring His power and authority.who sits enthroned between the cherubim This phrase refers to the mercy seat on the Ark, flanked by two cherubim, where God's presence was believed to dwell. It signifies God's holiness and His role as the divine King. The imagery of God enthroned between the cherubim is also found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/99.htm">Psalm 99:1</a>, highlighting His majesty and the reverence due to Him.And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God Hophni and Phinehas were priests and sons of Eli, the high priest. Their presence with the Ark is significant because they were known for their corruption and disobedience to God, as detailed in earlier chapters. Their involvement foreshadows the impending judgment on Eli's house, as prophesied in <a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">1 Samuel 2:27-36</a>. Their presence with the Ark, despite their sinful behavior, highlights the spiritual decline in Israel and the misuse of sacred objects for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a> A significant religious center in Israel where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was the location of the tabernacle before the temple was built in Jerusalem. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a> A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was considered the throne of God on earth, as He was "enthroned between the cherubim." 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_of_hosts.htm">The LORD of Hosts</a> A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His power and authority. 4. <a href="/topical/h/hophni_and_phinehas.htm">Hophni and Phinehas</a> The two sons of Eli, the high priest. They were known for their corrupt and sinful behavior, which ultimately led to their downfall and the loss of the Ark. 5. <a href="/topical/e/eli.htm">Eli</a> The high priest and judge of Israel at the time. His failure to restrain his sons contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god.htm">The Presence of God</a> The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people. We should seek to live in awareness of God's presence in our lives, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a> The failure of Eli and his sons serves as a warning about the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are called to uphold righteousness and guide others in faithfulness to God. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_the_sacred.htm">Reverence for the Sacred</a> The Israelites' decision to bring the Ark into battle reflects a misunderstanding of its purpose. We must approach God with reverence and not treat sacred things as mere tools for personal gain. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a> The account of Hophni and Phinehas illustrates the serious consequences of sin and disobedience. It reminds us to examine our lives and repent of any wrongdoing. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the loss of the Ark, God's plans and purposes prevail. We can trust in His sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances.<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/how_is_god_on_cherubim_reconciled_scientifically.htm">In Psalm 80:1, how can a God “enthroned upon the cherubim” be reconciled with the absence of any scientific evidence for such beings? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_ark's_power_fit_science.htm">How does the apparent supernatural element of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4 fit with modern scientific understanding?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_philistines_capturing_ark.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Philistines’ capture of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4? </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>(4) So the people sent to Shiloh.--There was, no doubt, in the minds of the elders, the memory of many a glorious victory gained in the old heroic days of Moses and Joshua in the presence of their sacred Ark; but then God was with His people, and the sacred Ark of the Covenant served as a reminder of His ever-presence with them; now they had been disloyal to their unseen King, His very sanctuary had become infamous as the centre of vice, and His ministers were chiefly known as the prominent examples of covetousness and immorality, and the Ark had become only a symbol of the broken covenant.It was in vain that the grand battle hymn of Israel was raised as in the old days when the Ark set forward: "Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee" (<a href="/numbers/10-35.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate you flee before you.">Numbers 10:35</a>).Were there with the ark.--This Note respecting the guardians of the Ark is sufficient to account for the terrible discomfiture of Israel. The conduct and general life and example of their priestly leaders have already been indicated. What a contrast the writer of the Book bitterly puts down in his memoirs here--the glorious but now deserted earthly throne of God, and its guardians, the wicked, abandoned priests!<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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 the manner of bringing, because it is said that the people sent that they might bring the ark from Shiloh. Levites may have carried it, and priests with the Urim and Thummim have had the charge of every detail. But there was the ill-omened conjuncture of personal immorality with superstitious reverence for mere material symbols, and thereby the presence of the ark only insured, in the moral government of God, Israel's defeat. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So the people הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out [men] to Shiloh, שִׁלֹ֔ה (ši·lōh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7887.htm">Strong's 7887: </a> Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim and they brought וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ (way·yiś·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take back מִשָּׁ֗ם (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither the ark אֲר֧וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant of the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH of Hosts, צְבָא֖וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign who sits enthroned יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry between the cherubim. הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים (hak·kə·ru·ḇîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3742.htm">Strong's 3742: </a> Probably an order of angelic beings And the two שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê) Number - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) sons בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Eli, עֵלִ֗י (‘ê·lî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5941.htm">Strong's 5941: </a> Eli -- a priest at Shiloh Hophni חָפְנִ֖י (ḥā·p̄ə·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2652.htm">Strong's 2652: </a> Hophni -- a son of Eli and Phinehas, וּפִֽינְחָֽס׃ (ū·p̄î·nə·ḥās) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6372.htm">Strong's 6372: </a> Phinehas -- three Israelites were there וְשָׁ֞ם (wə·šām) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with the ark אֲרוֹן֙ (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִ֣ית (bə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:5" /></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>