Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.
4. that they might bring ] Rather, and brought.
the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims ] Or, who sitteth enthroned upon the cherubim. The full title is chosen to describe the Ark ( a) as the symbol of the covenant between Jehovah and Israel, in virtue of which they expected his help unconditionally; ( b) as the seat of the presence of the Lord of Hosts, which they thought would infallibly accompany it, and ensure victory to the armies of Israel. Cp. note on 1Sa 4:21.
the two sons of Eli were there with the ark ] It seems best to follow the Sept. and Vulg. in omitting the word ‘there.’ The narrative requires the statement that Hophni and Phinehas accompanied the Ark, not merely that they were at Shiloh, which we know already.
rang again ] Cp. 1Ki 1:45.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
1Sa 4:4
So the people sent to Shiloh.
Shiloh and its lessons
This subject forms an impressive chapter in the history of Israel. Eli was now the theocratic judge of the Hebrew commonwealth, and its administration centered round Shiloh, where he dwelt and the ark was kept, and its statutes observed. Let us glance at the steps which led to disaster.
1. Family discipline neglected. It is often the case, as true today as then, that men are so busy with money making or important trusts, as to be almost strangers to their own households and ignorant of the habits of their children.
2. Disobedient children. They were careless of religion, but careful of tithes. They helped themselves to as much of the sacrifices as they wanted, whether the offerer would or no; and as a result men abhorred the offerings of the Lord. Family discipline is too great when children are full grown and their habits strong.
3. Religion slighted. A nation suffers more from the sins of its rulers and priests than from the sins of an equal number of private men who are simply hewers of wood and carriers of water. The sins of the former are fashionable; those of the latter are vulgar and contemptible.
4. Vain confidence. And all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. But courage is not of the sword and spear and shibboleth, of bow and banner and boasting, neither of the giant frame and muscle; it is of the heart and spirit. It is the unconquerable will, and the heart conscious of right, prodigal of life for its defence, that makes one man able to chase a thousand, and two to put ten thousand to flight.
5. National calamity. It is not religiosity that saves, but spirituality.
6. Providence. Mans extremity is Gods opportunity. God will take care of His ark as well as of His people. (Homiletic Review.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 4. The Lord of hosts] See on 1Sa 1:3.
Dwelleth between the cherubims] Of what shape the cherubim were, we know not; but there was one of these representative figures placed at each end of the ark of the covenant; and between them, on the lid or cover of that ark, which was called the propitiatory or mercy-seat, the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine presence, was said to dwell. They thought, therefore, if they had the ark, they must necessarily have the presence and influence of Jehovah.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That they might bring from thence the ark; which it may seem they should not have done without asking counsel of God, which they might easily have done by Samuel.
Hophni and Phinehas were there; either, first, in the camp; or rather, secondly, in Shiloh.
With the ark; attending upon it, instead of their aged father.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
So the people sent to Shiloh,…. They liked the proposal of the elders, took their advice, and joined with them in a message to Eli the high priest at Shiloh:
that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubim; which overshadowed the mercy seat that was upon the ark, and was the residence of the divine Majesty; wherefore having this with them, they concluded they should have the presence of God with them, and so success, see Ps 53:1
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God; these, either with or without the leave of Eli, took the ark out of the tabernacle, and carried it on their shoulders to the camp, or however attended it there, being borne by other priests or Levites; and by this means they were brought into the camp, and so to battle, to meet their doom there; according to Bunting d, it was carried by them forty two miles.
d Travels of the Patriarchs, &c. p. 123.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(4) So the people sent to Shiloh.There was, no doubt, in the minds of the elders, the memory of many a glorious victory gained in the old heroic days of Moses and Joshua in the presence of their sacred Ark; but then God was with His people, and the sacred Ark of the Covenant served as a reminder of His ever-presence with them; now they had been disloyal to their unseen King, His very sanctuary had become infamous as the centre of vice, and His ministers were chiefly known as the prominent examples of covetousness and immorality, and the Ark had become only a symbol of the broken covenant.
It was in vain that the grand battle hymn of Israel was raised as in the old days when the Ark set forward: Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee (Num. 10:35).
Were there with the ark.This Note respecting the guardians of the Ark is sufficient to account for the terrible discomfiture of Israel. The conduct and general life and example of their priestly leaders have already been indicated. What a contrast the writer of the Book bitterly puts down in his memoirs herethe glorious but now deserted earthly throne of God, and its guardians, the wicked, abandoned priests!
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
4. Between the cherubim The word cherubim is plural, and needs not the final s, as some Bibles have. For the allusion, see Exo 25:22.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
(4) So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
One might reasonably have thought that after the message of the man of God to Eli’s house, no Israelite would anymore have put confidence in the ministry of his two sons, much less expect a blessing from God, when such profane hands were employed in bringing up the ark of God. But evil men, and seducers (saith an apostle) shall wax worse, and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2Ti 3:13 . Reader! pause with me over this passage, to remark, that when God ceaseth to punish, depend upon it destruction is at hand. If Ephraim is let alone, it is because he is joined to his idols. Hos 4:17 . Reader! I charge it both upon your heart and my own, to keep in view with the most solemn remembrance, that in all our troubles and visitations, we look out for the hand that smites, and watch over the heart that is smitten, for improvement under it. Doth the affliction, be it what it may, make me more prayerful? Am I more humble? more submissive? is Jesus more precious? Put it down as a never failing maxim, that no affliction is truly sanctified, until these effects are induced. Precious Jesus! do thou, in all our visitations, graciously make this the issue.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Sa 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.
Ver. 4. So the people sent to Shiloh. ] This they did presumptuously and profanely, of their own head, not consulting with God, or waiting for his warrant: for they said, “We are lords,” and they acted as if they had been petty gods within themselves, &c. When the beginning is carnal confidence, the end is usually shame of any business, even of this life.
And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Shiloh. See note on 1Sa 1:3.
the LORD of hosts. See note on 1Sa 1:3.
God = Elohim. App-4. Marking His relation to His creatures.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
which dwelleth: 2Sa 6:2, 2Ki 19:15, Psa 80:1, Psa 99:1
the cherubims: Exo 25:18-22, Num 7:89
Hophni: 1Sa 2:12-17, 1Sa 2:22, Psa 50:16, Psa 50:17, Mal 1:9, Act 19:15, Act 19:16
with the ark: Num 4:5, Num 4:15
Reciprocal: Gen 3:24 – Cherubims Exo 25:22 – between Num 31:6 – the holy instruments Jos 18:1 – set up Jdg 18:31 – all the time Jdg 20:27 – the ark 1Sa 1:3 – And the 1Sa 1:24 – house 1Sa 2:32 – an enemy 2Sa 11:11 – The ark 2Sa 22:11 – a cherub 1Ki 8:6 – under the wings 1Ki 14:4 – Shiloh 1Ch 13:6 – that dwelleth 1Ch 28:18 – the chariot Psa 78:60 – General Isa 37:16 – dwellest Jer 7:4 – The temple Jer 7:12 – and see Act 7:45 – Which Heb 9:5 – over
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which {b} dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.
(b) For he used to appear to the Israelites between the cherubim over the ark of the covenant, Exo 25:17.