1 Samuel 4:5

And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

And when the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} came {H935} into the camp {H4264}, all Israel {H3478} shouted {H7321} with a great {H1419} shout {H8643}, so that the earth {H776} rang again {H1949}.

When the ark for the covenant of ADONAI entered the camp, all Isra'el gave a mighty shout that resounded through the land.

When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground.

And when the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

Commentary

1 Samuel 4:5 KJV Commentary

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment during a fierce battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Having suffered an initial defeat (1 Samuel 4:2), the elders of Israel decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD from Shiloh into their camp. They believed that its physical presence, symbolizing God's dwelling among them, would guarantee victory against their enemies, mirroring past successes where God's power was evident (e.g., the fall of Jericho). The massive shout that erupted upon the Ark's arrival was an expression of overwhelming confidence and renewed hope among the soldiers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misplaced Faith and Superstition: The Israelites treated the Ark not as a symbol pointing to God, but as a magical charm or an idol that could be manipulated for victory. Their faith was in the object itself rather than in the Person of God and His will. This highlights the danger of ritualism without a genuine relationship with God.
  • False Hope: The "great shout" signifies a burst of immense, but ultimately superficial, hope. They expected God to act on their terms, based on a physical symbol, rather than seeking His guidance or repenting of their sins. This false hope would soon be shattered (as the Ark was captured).
  • God's Sovereignty: This event powerfully illustrates that God is not bound by human assumptions or attempts to force His hand. His presence and power are not commanded by rituals or objects, but are manifested according to His divine will and the obedience (or disobedience) of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Ark of the covenant of the LORD" emphasizes its sacred nature and its connection to God's covenant with Israel. The Hebrew word for "shout" here is teru'ah (ΧͺΦ°ΦΌΧ¨Χ•ΦΌΧ’ΦΈΧ”), which often describes a loud, boisterous sound, a war cry, or a shout of triumph. It conveys the intensity and widespread nature of the Israelite's reaction, so powerful that "the earth rang again."

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Samuel 4:5 serves as a potent reminder that true faith is not in religious symbols, rituals, or external expressions alone, but in a living, obedient relationship with God. We must guard against treating God as a means to an end or expecting Him to conform to our desires simply because we perform certain religious acts. Our trust should be in God Himself, His character, and His revealed will, understanding that obedience is better than sacrifice and a humble heart more pleasing than outward show. God's presence is a gift, not a tool to be wielded.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 6:5

    And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.

  • Job 20:5

    That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

  • Joshua 6:20

    So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

  • Jeremiah 7:4

    Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, [are] these.

  • Amos 6:3

    Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

  • Judges 15:14

    [And] when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.

  • Micah 2:11

    If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, [saying], I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
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