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.
Study Helps
Interpretation
Israel is smitten before the Philistines. Sin, the accursed thing, was in the camp, and gave their enemies all the advantage they could wish for.
Read with
This thought runs through 1 Samuel 4:3-7.
Glossary
- Ark Object
- Noah’s ark, a building of gopher-wood, and covered with pitch, 300 cubits long, 50 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high.
- Shiloh Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Khirbet Seilun.
- Eli Person
- Ascent, the high priest when the ark was at Shiloh ( 1 Sam. 1:3 , 9). He was the first of the line of Ithamar, Aaron’s fourth son ( 1 Chr. 24:3 ; comp. 2 Sam. 8:17 ), who held that office.
- Phinehas Person
- Mouth of brass, or from old Egypt, the negro. (1. ) Son of Eleazar, the high priest ( Ex. 6:25 ).