1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
הָעָם֙
So the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
So the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
that they might bring
H5375
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
that they might bring
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 22
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מִשָּׁ֗ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֗ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
5 of 22
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
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)
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
8 of 22
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
10 of 22
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
which dwelleth
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
which dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְשָׁ֞ם
H8033
וְשָׁ֞ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
13 of 22
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
בְנֵֽי
sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 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
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
17 of 22
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
19 of 22
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Cross References
2 Samuel 6:2And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Numbers 7:89And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.2 Kings 19:15And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
Historical Context
The elaborate title emphasizes the Ark's holiness and significance. 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth) designates God as commander of heaven's armies. 'Dwelleth between the cherubims' references the mercy seat where God's presence rested. All this glory will not prevent the coming disaster.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the presence of doomed priests doom the military expedition?
- How does the full title of the Ark heighten the coming tragedy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Ark's arrival with Hophni and Phinehas - the very priests under judgment - seals Israel's fate. The full title 'the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims' emphasizes the Ark's significance, making its subsequent capture more shocking. The condemned priests accompany the Ark to war, ensuring that God's judgment will encompass both priesthood and people. The Ark will not save those who treat it as a lucky charm while ignoring the God it represents.