1 samuel 4:10 - The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter; for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell.
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What does "1 samuel 4:10" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 4:10 describes a devastating defeat for the Israelites at the hands of the Philistines. Let's break down the meaning:
"The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated": This establishes the context of a military conflict and the outcome – a loss for the Israelites. The Philistines were a powerful enemy of Israel at this time, vying for control of territory.
"and each man fled to his tent": This paints a picture of utter disarray. The soldiers are not retreating in an organized fashion; they are scattering, prioritizing self-preservation over fighting for their people. "Tent" here symbolizes home or a place of refuge, emphasizing the collapse of the Israelite army's structure.
"There was a very great slaughter": This underscores the scale of the defeat. The battle was not just a loss, but a massacre.
"for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell": This quantifies the devastating loss. Thirty thousand infantrymen (foot soldiers) were killed. This number, while possibly stylized to represent a large loss, would have been a significant blow to Israel's military strength and morale.
In essence, this verse describes a catastrophic defeat for the Israelites, marked by heavy casualties, a disorganized retreat, and a clear victory for the Philistines. It sets the stage for further consequences and theological implications within the narrative of 1 Samuel. This defeat is particularly significant in the context of the story because the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant into battle, believing it would guarantee them victory. The loss despite the presence of the Ark raises serious questions about their relationship with God and the nature of divine favor.
1 samuel 4:10 - The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter; for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell.
What does "1 samuel 4:10" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 4:10 describes a devastating defeat for the Israelites at the hands of the Philistines. Let's break down the meaning:
"The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated": This establishes the context of a military conflict and the outcome – a loss for the Israelites. The Philistines were a powerful enemy of Israel at this time, vying for control of territory.
"and each man fled to his tent": This paints a picture of utter disarray. The soldiers are not retreating in an organized fashion; they are scattering, prioritizing self-preservation over fighting for their people. "Tent" here symbolizes home or a place of refuge, emphasizing the collapse of the Israelite army's structure.
"There was a very great slaughter": This underscores the scale of the defeat. The battle was not just a loss, but a massacre.
"for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell": This quantifies the devastating loss. Thirty thousand infantrymen (foot soldiers) were killed. This number, while possibly stylized to represent a large loss, would have been a significant blow to Israel's military strength and morale.
In essence, this verse describes a catastrophic defeat for the Israelites, marked by heavy casualties, a disorganized retreat, and a clear victory for the Philistines. It sets the stage for further consequences and theological implications within the narrative of 1 Samuel. This defeat is particularly significant in the context of the story because the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant into battle, believing it would guarantee them victory. The loss despite the presence of the Ark raises serious questions about their relationship with God and the nature of divine favor.