Keraia
1 Samuel 4

1 Samuel 4:12

The Death of Eli · 1 Samuel 4:12–22
Read 1 Samuel 4

Translations

Modern
That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.
Traditional
And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
Literal
And a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line, and he came to Shiloh that day—and his clothes were torn, and dirt was on his head.
Latin
Currens autem vir de Benjamin ex acie, venit in Silo in die illa, scissa veste, et conspersus pulvere caput.

Original

Hebrew
English
That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.

Notes

1 Samuel 4:12

his clothes torn and dirt on his head: This shows grief and loss (for example, Joshua 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:2; 15:32; Job 2:12).

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Eli Samuel The Philistines The Collapse of Culture

People

Benjamin: Youngest son of Jacob and Rachel

Places

Shiloh: Israelite sanctuary and assembly point during the judges' period

Glossary

Ashkelon Eli Ephraim (Place) Mourning Phinehas Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shiloh

Topics

Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Dust: Put on the Head in Mourning Eli: His Solicitude for the Ark Judgments: Eli's House Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness Shiloh: City of Ephraim, North of Beth-El: Eli Lived At