1 Samuel 4:11

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

Translations

Modern
The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
Traditional
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
Literal
And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli died—Hophni and Phinehas.
Latin
Et arca Dei capta est: duo quoque filii Heli mortui sunt, Ophni et Phinees.

Original

Hebrew
English
The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

Notes

  • The capture of the ark was a huge blow to the Israelites (1 Samuel 4:12–22).

  • The deaths of Hophni and Phinehas fulfilled God's promise to Eli (1 Samuel 2:34). Although they are the only ones mentioned, other Israelites had also sinned (see 1 Samuel 7:3–6).

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).

People

Eli: High priest and judge of Israel at Shiloh Hophni: A corrupt priest, son of Eli Phinehas: Wicked son of Eli the priest

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Ebenezer Eli Ephraim (Place) Hophni Kiriath-jearim Phinehas Plague Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shiloh

Topics

Aphek: A City of the Tribe of Issachar: Philistines Defeat Israelites At Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philistines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philstines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Armies: March in Ranks: Ark Taken to Battle Eli: His Solicitude for the Ark Hophni: Death of Israel: Under the Judges: Struck Down by the Philistines at Eben-Ezer Judgments: Eli's House Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness Superstition: Israelites The Philistines: Defeated Israel and Took the Ark