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1 Samuel 4:4

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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.

So the people {H5971} sent {H7971} to Shiloh {H7887}, that they might bring {H5375} from thence the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, which dwelleth {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}: and the two {H8147} sons {H1121} of Eli {H5941}, Hophni {H2652} and Phinehas {H6372}, were there with the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of God {H430}.

So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark for the covenant of ADONAI-Tzva'ot, who is present above the k'ruvim. The two sons of 'Eli, Hofni and Pinchas, were there with the ark for the covenant of God.

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.

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 4:4 describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history, highlighting a profound misunderstanding of God's presence and covenant. Faced with a military defeat by the Philistines, the elders of Israel decide to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, believing its physical presence would guarantee victory.

Historical and Cultural Context

At this time, Israel was under the leadership of the aging High Priest Eli, whose sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were notoriously corrupt priests (as detailed in 1 Samuel 2:12-17). The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His dwelling presence among them. It was housed in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, a central place of worship. The people's decision to bring the Ark reflects a desperate, yet misguided, attempt to invoke divine power, treating the sacred object as a lucky charm rather than recognizing the true nature of God's presence and their own spiritual state. Their previous defeat against the Philistines (mentioned just prior) led them to this superstitious act.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misplaced Faith and Superstition: The verse vividly illustrates the danger of treating religious symbols as magical objects. The Israelites believed the Ark's presence alone would save them, rather than repenting and seeking God's favor through obedience. True faith rests in God Himself, not in an object, no matter how sacred.
  • The Ark as God's Throne: The phrase "which dwelleth between the cherubims" refers to the mercy seat atop the Ark, where God symbolically met with Moses (Exodus 25:22). This emphasizes the Ark's role as a symbol of God's sovereign presence and authority, not a tool to be manipulated.
  • Spiritual Decay and Corrupt Leadership: The presence of Eli's corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, with the Ark underscores the spiritual bankruptcy of Israel at this time. Their sin and disregard for God's laws had contributed to the nation's spiritual weakness and ultimately, God's judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite Israel's attempts to control divine power, the subsequent events in 1 Samuel 4:10-11 demonstrate that God is not bound by human expectations or manipulation. He acts according to His own will, even allowing His sacred Ark to be captured to teach His people a crucial lesson.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is significant. It portrays God as the supreme commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His immense power and authority. While used here by Israel in a context of misplaced trust, it inherently speaks to God's ultimate dominion over all creation and forces.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine faith is not about ritualistic adherence or the manipulation of sacred objects for personal gain. It's about a sincere relationship with God, characterized by obedience, repentance, and trust in His character. We are called to seek God's presence through humble submission and obedience to His Word, rather than relying on external symbols or superstitious practices. The story of the Ark's capture and return (seen in 1 Samuel 5 and 1 Samuel 6) further emphasizes that God's power does not depend on human efforts or even the presence of a physical object, but on His divine will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:2 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 80:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Numbers 7:89 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 19:15 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 99:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  • 1 Samuel 2:12 (2 votes)

    Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 2:17 (2 votes)

    Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.