1 Samuel 14:18
And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
הַגִּ֖ישָׁה
Bring hither
H5066
הַגִּ֖ישָׁה
Bring hither
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
4 of 14
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיָ֞ה
H1961
הָיָ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּיּ֥וֹם
was at that time
H3117
בַּיּ֥וֹם
was at that time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
After the ark's return from Philistia, it remained at Kiriath-jearim (7:1-2) rather than at Shiloh, which was apparently destroyed. Saul's summons of the ark indicates desire for tangible divine presence to guide military decisions. Some manuscripts read 'ephod' instead of 'ark,' referring to the priestly garment used for obtaining divine guidance.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious rituals become substitutes for living faith?
- What is the difference between seeking God's presence and seeking His guidance through obedience?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
Saul's request for 'the ark of God' indicates desire for divine guidance through proper religious channels. Yet his consultation contrasts with Jonathan's active faith. The note that 'the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel' marks a change from when the Philistines captured it (chapters 4-6). Saul reaches for religious ritual while God works through individual faith. The ark represents God's presence, but presence without obedience proves futile.