1 Samuel 4:16

And the man said unto Eli, I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

And the man {H376} said {H559} unto Eli {H5941}, I am he that came {H935} out of the army {H4634}, and I fled {H5127} to day {H3117} out of the army {H4634}. And he said {H559}, What is there done {H1697}, my son {H1121}?

The man said to 'Eli, "I'm the soldier that came; I escaped today from the battlefield." He asked, "How did things go, my son?"

“I have just come from the battle,” the man said to Eli. “I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked.

And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to-day out of the army. And he said, How went the matter, my son?

Commentary

1 Samuel 4:16 captures a pivotal and tense moment in Israel's history, as a lone messenger delivers the devastating news of a major defeat to the elderly high priest, Eli.

Context

This verse immediately follows the arrival of a Benjamite messenger from the battlefield, identifiable by his torn clothes and dust-covered head, clear signs of distress and disaster (1 Samuel 4:12). The Israelites had engaged in a significant battle with the Philistines, a conflict marked by superstition when they brought the Ark of the Covenant into the camp, hoping it would guarantee victory. Eli, who was very old and blind, was sitting by the wayside near the gate, his heart trembling for the Ark of God (1 Samuel 4:13). Having heard the outcry from the city, Eli had just inquired, "What meaneth the noise of this tumult?" (1 Samuel 4:14). The messenger's words in verse 16 are his direct, fear-laden response, setting the stage for the tragic news to unfold.

Key Themes

  • The Gravity of the Situation: The messenger's immediate declaration, "I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army," underscores the dire circumstances. His fleeing signifies not just survival but also a complete rout of the Israelite forces, signaling a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the Philistines.
  • Eli's Profound Anxiety: Eli's question, "What is there done, my son?" reveals his deep apprehension, particularly concerning the fate of the Ark of God and his two wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were with it (1 Samuel 4:11). He senses that the news will be catastrophic, perhaps even worse than he imagines.
  • The Onset of Tragedy: This verse marks the beginning of the messenger's tragic report, which will subsequently reveal the immense losses, including the death of Eli's sons and the capture of the Ark, leading to Eli's own death (1 Samuel 4:17-18).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "army" used here is machaneh, which can also mean "camp." The repetition of "came out of the army" and "fled to day out of the army" emphasizes the messenger's direct, desperate escape from the heart of the conflict, highlighting the urgency and danger. Eli's address, "my son" (Hebrew: beni), is a common term of endearment or respectful address from an elder, highlighting his paternal concern even amidst his intense anxiety over the battle's outcome.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the profound impact of devastating news and the human tendency to dread what we intuitively know to be true. It also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of spiritual complacency and disobedience, as Eli's family and the nation faced judgment for their sin (1 Samuel 2:29-34). For believers, it highlights the importance of heeding God's warnings and living in obedience, understanding that true security comes not from religious symbols but from a right relationship with the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 1:4 (5 votes)

    And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

  • Joshua 7:19 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide [it] not from me.

  • 1 Samuel 3:6 (2 votes)

    And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.