1 samuel 4:17 - He who brought the news answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and God’s ark has been captured.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 4:17" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 4:17, is the climax of a devastating report delivered to Eli, the high priest of Israel. It details a catastrophic defeat for Israel at the hands of the Philistines and delivers multiple blows in a single sentence:
"Israel has fled before the Philistines...": This signifies a major military defeat. The Israelite army was routed and in full retreat, meaning they lost the battle decisively.
"...and there has been also a great slaughter among the people.": This underscores the severity of the loss. Many Israelites were killed in the battle.
"Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead...": This is a personal tragedy for Eli. Hophni and Phinehas were his sons and also priests. They were known for their corrupt and irreverent behavior (as detailed in earlier chapters). Their death, while tragic, also represents a sort of divine judgment or consequence for their wickedness.
"...and God’s ark has been captured.": This is the most devastating piece of news. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object to the Israelites, representing God's presence and covenant with them. Its capture by the Philistines symbolized a profound loss of divine favor and protection. This event marked a deep spiritual crisis for Israel.
In summary, the verse means:
Israel suffered a crushing military defeat against the Philistines, resulting in many casualties. The high priest Eli suffered a personal tragedy with the death of his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Most significantly, the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, was captured by the enemy, signaling a severe spiritual blow to the Israelites.
1 samuel 4:17 - He who brought the news answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and God’s ark has been captured.”
What does "1 samuel 4:17" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 4:17, is the climax of a devastating report delivered to Eli, the high priest of Israel. It details a catastrophic defeat for Israel at the hands of the Philistines and delivers multiple blows in a single sentence:
"Israel has fled before the Philistines...": This signifies a major military defeat. The Israelite army was routed and in full retreat, meaning they lost the battle decisively.
"...and there has been also a great slaughter among the people.": This underscores the severity of the loss. Many Israelites were killed in the battle.
"Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead...": This is a personal tragedy for Eli. Hophni and Phinehas were his sons and also priests. They were known for their corrupt and irreverent behavior (as detailed in earlier chapters). Their death, while tragic, also represents a sort of divine judgment or consequence for their wickedness.
"...and God’s ark has been captured.": This is the most devastating piece of news. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object to the Israelites, representing God's presence and covenant with them. Its capture by the Philistines symbolized a profound loss of divine favor and protection. This event marked a deep spiritual crisis for Israel.
In summary, the verse means:
Israel suffered a crushing military defeat against the Philistines, resulting in many casualties. The high priest Eli suffered a personal tragedy with the death of his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Most significantly, the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, was captured by the enemy, signaling a severe spiritual blow to the Israelites.