1 samuel 4:20 - About the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, “Don’t be afraid; for you have given birth to a son.” But she didn’t answer, neither did she regard it.
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What does "1 samuel 4:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 4:20 is part of the tragic story of the Israelite defeat by the Philistines and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The wife of Phinehas (one of Eli's sons) is in labor. She hears the devastating news that the Ark of the Covenant has been captured and that her father-in-law Eli and her husband Phinehas are dead (1 Samuel 4:17-18). This news throws her into premature labor.
"About the time of her death..." This sets a somber tone. She is dying.
"...the women who stood by her said to her, 'Don’t be afraid; for you have given birth to a son.'" Childbirth was a dangerous and painful process. The women are trying to comfort her in her pain. Having a son was considered a great blessing, bringing honor and security to the family. They're attempting to provide hope and encouragement in the face of a dangerous labor.
"But she didn’t answer, neither did she regard it." This is the key part. She is completely overwhelmed by the catastrophic news. The birth of a son, which would normally be a cause for great joy, is insignificant to her compared to the loss of the Ark and her family. Her silence and disregard show the depth of her grief and despair. She's essentially shut down emotionally and possibly physically, focusing only on the terrible events that have befallen Israel.
Interpretation and Significance:
Focus on the Loss of the Ark: The verse highlights the immense significance of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites. Its capture represented a profound spiritual and national crisis. The woman's reaction demonstrates that the loss of the Ark overshadowed even the joy of giving birth.
Personal vs. National Tragedy: It contrasts personal joy (the birth of a son) with national disaster (the loss of the Ark and the defeat by the Philistines). The woman prioritizes the national tragedy over her personal triumph, showcasing the deep sense of communal identity and shared fate prevalent in ancient Israel.
Death and New Life Juxtaposed: The verse juxtaposes death (her impending death, the death of Eli and Phinehas) with new life (the birth of her son). However, even the promise of new life cannot overcome the overwhelming sense of loss and defeat.
Further Significance: The very next verse (1 Samuel 4:21) explains that she named the boy Ichabod, saying "The glory has departed from Israel!" This name signifies the depth of her despair and belief that God's presence and favor have been removed from the nation. This action further amplifies the impact of the verse.
In summary, 1 Samuel 4:20 is a powerful and poignant verse that captures the profound sense of loss and despair experienced by the Israelites following their defeat by the Philistines and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. The woman's reaction emphasizes the significance of the Ark and the deep connection between the people and their faith. It also speaks to the power of national identity and shared destiny in ancient Israel.
1 samuel 4:20 - About the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, “Don’t be afraid; for you have given birth to a son.” But she didn’t answer, neither did she regard it.
What does "1 samuel 4:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 4:20 is part of the tragic story of the Israelite defeat by the Philistines and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The wife of Phinehas (one of Eli's sons) is in labor. She hears the devastating news that the Ark of the Covenant has been captured and that her father-in-law Eli and her husband Phinehas are dead (1 Samuel 4:17-18). This news throws her into premature labor.
"About the time of her death..." This sets a somber tone. She is dying.
"...the women who stood by her said to her, 'Don’t be afraid; for you have given birth to a son.'" Childbirth was a dangerous and painful process. The women are trying to comfort her in her pain. Having a son was considered a great blessing, bringing honor and security to the family. They're attempting to provide hope and encouragement in the face of a dangerous labor.
"But she didn’t answer, neither did she regard it." This is the key part. She is completely overwhelmed by the catastrophic news. The birth of a son, which would normally be a cause for great joy, is insignificant to her compared to the loss of the Ark and her family. Her silence and disregard show the depth of her grief and despair. She's essentially shut down emotionally and possibly physically, focusing only on the terrible events that have befallen Israel.
Interpretation and Significance:
Focus on the Loss of the Ark: The verse highlights the immense significance of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites. Its capture represented a profound spiritual and national crisis. The woman's reaction demonstrates that the loss of the Ark overshadowed even the joy of giving birth.
Personal vs. National Tragedy: It contrasts personal joy (the birth of a son) with national disaster (the loss of the Ark and the defeat by the Philistines). The woman prioritizes the national tragedy over her personal triumph, showcasing the deep sense of communal identity and shared fate prevalent in ancient Israel.
Death and New Life Juxtaposed: The verse juxtaposes death (her impending death, the death of Eli and Phinehas) with new life (the birth of her son). However, even the promise of new life cannot overcome the overwhelming sense of loss and defeat.
Further Significance: The very next verse (1 Samuel 4:21) explains that she named the boy Ichabod, saying "The glory has departed from Israel!" This name signifies the depth of her despair and belief that God's presence and favor have been removed from the nation. This action further amplifies the impact of the verse.
In summary, 1 Samuel 4:20 is a powerful and poignant verse that captures the profound sense of loss and despair experienced by the Israelites following their defeat by the Philistines and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. The woman's reaction emphasizes the significance of the Ark and the deep connection between the people and their faith. It also speaks to the power of national identity and shared destiny in ancient Israel.