1 Samuel 4
2 Samuel 4 is a chapter that shows human weakness and sorrow, and how God’s will is carried out in the process of the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, and the passing of the baton to him. This chapter highlights the final collapse of Saul’s dynasty and the transition to the Davidic line.
1verseThe word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
2verseThe Philistines put themselves in array against Israel. When they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field.
3verseWhen the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let’s get the ark of the LORD’s covenant out of Shiloh and bring it to us, that it may come among us and save us out of the hand of our enemies.”
4verseSo the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Armies, who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
5verseWhen the ark of the LORD’s covenant came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth resounded.
6verseWhen the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, “What does the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” They understood that the LORD’s ark had come into the camp.
7verseThe Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” They said, “Woe to us! For there has not been such a thing before.
8verseWoe to us! Who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness.
9verseBe strong and behave like men, O you Philistines, that you not be servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Strengthen yourselves like men, and fight!”
10verseThe Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter; for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell.
11verseGod’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
12verseA man of Benjamin ran out of the army and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head.
13verseWhen he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for God’s ark. When the man came into the city and told about it, all the city cried out.
14verseWhen Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, “What does the noise of this tumult mean?” The man hurried, and came and told Eli.
15verseNow Eli was ninety-eight years old. His eyes were set, so that he could not see.
16verseThe man said to Eli, “I am he who came out of the army, and I fled today out of the army.” He said, “How did the matter go, my son?”
17verseHe who brought the news answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and God’s ark has been captured.”
18verseWhen he made mention of God’s ark, Eli fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck broke, and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.
19verseHis daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to giving birth. When she heard the news that God’s ark was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth; for her pains came on her.
20verseAbout the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have given birth to a son.” But she didn’t answer, neither did she regard it.
21verseShe named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because God’s ark was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
22verseShe said, “The glory has departed from Israel; for God’s ark has been taken.”
Flow of the Main Contents
- The weakening of the family of Benjamin: When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, is murdered by the brothers Rechab and Baanah, the remaining power of Saul’s household collapses decisively.
- The motive of evil in the presence of David: Rechab and Baanah, men from Ammon, bring Ish-bosheth’s head to David to be recognized for the deed of killing him. However, just as at the death of Saul, David judges that it is not right to harm the Lord’s anointed according to his own will.
- God’s providence: Even when people try to accomplish their goals through imperfect, self-centered methods, it becomes clear that God’s righteous hand leads history.
The Structure and Meaning of the Text
- Opening (verses 1–4): The disappearance of Saul’s family power (the background for the appearance of Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth), and a depiction of fear in Israel.
- Development (verses 5–8): Rechab and Baanah approach Ish-bosheth, express the motives for the murder, and the crime.
- Conclusion (verses 9–12): David’s response. He refuses to take the throne by a method he did not want, and he punishes the two men.
Within this structure, the attitude David displays and the theocentric view of history emerge as major themes.
Points to Ponder
- Reflect on the trials and mistakes that can occur when God’s plan is pushed forward by human methods or calculations.
- Remember the importance of righteous motives and actions, and keep in mind that good results cannot stand on evil methods.
- Consider that the trust and humility required to wait for God’s working are absolutely necessary in our lives.
Applying to Me
- In difficult circumstances, you need an attitude of checking whether the process is complete, even if you try to force through my way in a hurry or even if you think the reasons are justified.
- When making decisions in my life, apply the faith of seeking God’s will and justice, and being able to wait with patience and trust instead of rushing.
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