1 Samuel 4:11
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
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
בְנֵֽי
sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Samuel 2:34And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.Psalms 78:64Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.1 Samuel 2:32And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
Historical Context
The deaths of both sons on one day fulfilled precisely what the man of God had prophesied (2:34). This exact fulfillment authenticated the broader prophecy against Eli's house that would continue unfolding through subsequent generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the precise fulfillment of prophesied signs validate the larger prophetic message?
- What might God's purposes be in allowing the Ark's capture?
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Analysis & Commentary
The prophecy's sign finds fulfillment: Hophni and Phinehas die together on the same day (2:34). Their deaths validate the entire prophetic oracle and seal judgment on Eli's house. The Ark's capture completes the disaster - symbol of God's presence carried away by pagans. Yet even in this catastrophe, God remains sovereign. The Ark's captivity will become the occasion for demonstrating His power over Dagon. What looks like Yahweh's defeat becomes Yahweh's victory in foreign territory.