Keraia
1 Samuel 4

1 Samuel 4:1

The Philistines Capture the Ark · 1 Samuel 4:1–11
Read 1 Samuel 4

Translations

Modern
Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.
Traditional
And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben–ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.
Literal
And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. And Israel went out to meet the Philistines in the battle, and they encamped beside Eben-ezer. And the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
Latin
Et factum est in diebus illis, convenerunt Philisthiim in pugnam: et egressus est Israël obviam Philisthiim in prælium, et castrametatus est juxta lapidem Adjutorii. Porro Philisthiim venerunt in Aphec,

Original

Hebrew
English
Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.

Notes

1 Samuel 4:1

  • the Philistines: See “The Philistines” Profile.

  • The exact location of Ebenezer is unknown. It was likely just east of Aphek (see also 1 Samuel 7:12 and 1 Samuel 7:12).

  • Aphek was west of Shiloh, far inland and north of Philistine territory. By camping there, the Philistines might have been trying to take more Israelite land.

1 Samuel 4:1–7:2

The crisis with the ark of the covenant showed Israel needed Samuel's leadership. It also fulfilled prophecies about Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 3:11–14).

1 Samuel 3:21–4:1

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Samuel: Prophet and last judge of Israel before the kings

Places

Aphek: A city in the Shephelah, site of Philistine battles Ebenezer: A stone memorial set up by Samuel to commemorate victory Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Aphek Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Ebenezer Ephraim (Place) Philistia, Philistines Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shiloh

Topics

Aphek: A City of the Tribe of Issachar: Philistines Defeat Israelites At Ebenezer: Philistines Defeat the Israelites At Israel: Under the Judges: Led by Eli for Forty Years Israel: Under the Judges: Struck Down by the Philistines at Eben-Ezer Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites The Philistines: Defeated Israel at Ebenezer