1 Samuel 7:1
And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבִ֣אוּ
and brought
H935
וַיָּבִ֣אוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אַנְשֵׁ֣י׀
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י׀
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 22
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְעָרִ֗ים
of Kirjathjearim
H7157
יְעָרִ֗ים
of Kirjathjearim
Strong's:
H7157
Word #:
4 of 22
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙
and fetched up
H5927
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙
and fetched up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 22
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּבִ֣אוּ
and brought
H935
וַיָּבִ֣אוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֥ית
it into the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
it into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנוֹ֙
his son
H1121
בְּנוֹ֙
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
קִדְּשׁ֔וּ
and sanctified
H6942
קִדְּשׁ֔וּ
and sanctified
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
18 of 22
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
לִשְׁמֹ֖ר
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֖ר
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Historical Context
The Tabernacle likely remained at Shiloh, though possibly damaged or destroyed by Philistines (Psalm 78:60-61; Jeremiah 7:12). The Ark's separation from the Tabernacle was unprecedented, creating a unique situation where Israel's holiest object resided in a private home. Abinadab may have been a Levite, though the text does not specify.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Ark's unconventional housing teach about God's presence with His people during times of institutional breakdown?
- How does God remain faithful even when human religious structures fail?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
Kirjath-jearim responds to Beth-shemesh's request, bringing the Ark to a private residence on 'the hill' (Hebrew 'gibah'). Abinadab's house becomes an unlikely sanctuary, with his son Eleazar consecrated ('qiddesh', set apart as holy) as guardian. This arrangement, while irregular - the Ark belonged in the Tabernacle with Levitical care - represented practical necessity given Shiloh's apparent destruction and the priesthood's disarray. The name Eleazar ('God has helped') echoes the high priest in Moses' time, perhaps intentionally. This domestic setting for Israel's holiest object illustrates the period's spiritual confusion - no functioning central sanctuary, no proper priestly leadership, yet God's presence remains with His people. For twenty years the Ark would rest here, a silent witness awaiting Israel's spiritual renewal.