1 Samuel 4:22
And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.
Original Language Analysis
גָּלָ֥ה
is departed
H1540
גָּלָ֥ה
is departed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
2 of 8
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
כָב֖וֹד
The glory
H3519
כָב֖וֹד
The glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
H3478
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The phrase 'glory is departed' (galah kabod) could also be translated 'glory is exiled,' using language later applied to Israel's exile to Babylon. This linguistic link connects the Ark's capture to later national catastrophes.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the narrator give this unnamed woman the final theological word on the disaster?
- What does her focus on God's glory rather than personal loss model for believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's final words repeat and expand her theological interpretation: 'The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.' Her equation of the Ark's loss with glory's departure shows sophisticated understanding. She says nothing of her dead husband or father-in-law in her dying breath - only of God's glory. This nameless woman provides the theological summary of the entire disaster. Her insight exceeds that of priests, elders, and soldiers. God often reveals truth to the unexpected.