1 Samuel 4:4-7 KJV

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:6

But they, sure of its talismanic influence, shout for joy as they see its approach, and the Philistines ask the meaning of the great shout in the camp of the Hebrews. This name is constantly given to the Israelites by those not belonging to them, and probably has a certain amount of animosity in it, as showing that they were foreigners; literally, passers over, people who in the person of Abraham had come from the other side of the Euphrates, and having began as feeble immigrants, had... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:4

The people sent - The expression is very indicative of the political state so frequently noted by the writer of the Book of Judges, “In those days there was no king in Israel.” read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:6

Of the Hebrews - This was the name by which the Israelites were known to foreign nations (compare Exodus 1:15; Exodus 2:6). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:3-4

1 Samuel 4:3-4. Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us? This was strange blindness, that when there was so great a corruption in their worship and manners, they could not see sufficient reason why God should suffer them to fall by their enemies. Let us fetch the ark That great pledge of God’s presence and help, by whose conduct our ancestors obtained success. Instead of humbling themselves for, and purging themselves from their sins, for which God was displeased with them, they take an easier... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:5

1 Samuel 4:5. All Israel shouted From their great joy, and confidence of success. So formal Christians triumph in external privileges and performances; as if the ark in the camp would bring them to heaven, though the world and flesh reign in their hearts. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:7

1 Samuel 4:7. God is come into the camp Thus these ignorant idolaters termed the mere symbol of God’s presence God, imagining, no doubt, that the Israelites worshipped it. They said, Wo unto us The name of the God of Israel was formidable even to those that worshipped other gods, and some apprehensions even the infidels had of the danger of contending with him. And, indeed, those are in a woful condition who have God against them. There hath not been such a thing heretofore Not in our... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:1-22

The Philistines capture the ark (4:1-22)For many years the Philistines had oppressed Israel (Judges 13:1). Samson had begun to save Israel from them (Judges 13:5), but the Philistines now fought back and decided to extend their rule further into Israel’s territory. The Israelites should have realized that their defeats were God’s punishments upon them because of their sin, and turned to him in repentance. Instead they thought that they would guarantee his help by carrying the symbol of his... read more

E.W. Bullinger

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 4:6

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:3-4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 4:7

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 4:1-22

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 4:4

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 4:5

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 4:6

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