1 Samuel 4 6

1 Samuel 4:6 kjv

And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

1 Samuel 4:6 nkjv

Now when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, "What does the sound of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" Then they understood that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp.

1 Samuel 4:6 niv

Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, "What's all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?" When they learned that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp,

1 Samuel 4:6 esv

And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, "What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And when they learned that the ark of the LORD had come to the camp,

1 Samuel 4:6 nlt

"What's going on?" the Philistines asked. "What's all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?" When they were told it was because the Ark of the LORD had arrived,

1 Samuel 4 verses

1 Samuel 4 6 Meaning

When the Philistines heard the loud, exultant cry erupting from the Israelite camp, they were greatly alarmed and inquired about the source of such a profound clamor. Upon understanding the nature of the noise, they correctly discerned that the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, a powerful symbol of the God of Israel, had been brought into the battle camp.

1 Samuel 4 6 Context

The immediate context is the battle between Israel and the Philistines at Aphek. The Israelites are losing the battle badly (1 Sam 4:2-3), which prompts their elders to propose bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, believing its presence will guarantee victory and deliver them from their enemies. This decision is not divinely commanded but reflects a superstitious and pragmatic view of the Ark, treating it as a magical charm rather than a symbol of God's active, covenantal presence. Hophni and Phinehas, the wicked sons of Eli, bring the Ark. This verse specifically details the Philistines' reaction as the Ark arrives amidst great fanfare, revealing their initial understanding of its profound significance to Israel, though they too likely perceived it through the lens of their own pantheon.

1 Samuel 4 6 Word analysis

• And when the Philistines

  • Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, Pelishtim): This refers to the persistent and powerful adversaries of Israel during the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their presence and military superiority were a constant threat to Israelite stability.

• heard the noise of the shout,

  • heard (שָׁמַע, shama): More than just aural perception; it implies noticing, paying attention, and understanding what was heard.
  • noise (קוֹל, qol): Literally "voice" or "sound."
  • shout (תְּרוּעָה, teruah): A strong, often resounding noise. It refers to a loud blast (e.g., from a shofar) or a shout, frequently used in cultic, celebratory, or military contexts. It often signifies alarm, victory, or the presence/coming of God. Here, it denotes an exultant, war-cry type of shout, signalling momentous change. Its significant loudness conveyed profound meaning.

• they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews?

  • What meaneth (מָה, mah): An interrogative expressing perplexity or a search for explanation.
  • great shout: Emphasizes the overwhelming sound and its unusual nature, drawing intense attention.
  • camp of the Hebrews (מַחֲנֵה הָעִבְרִים, machaneh ha'ivrim): "Hebrews" (Ivrim) is often used by non-Israelites (or by Israelites speaking of themselves to non-Israelites) as an ethnic designation. It might carry a nuance of "sojourners" or "immigrants," distinct from the dominant Canaanite/Philistine culture.

• And they understood that the ark of the covenant of the LORD was come into the camp.

  • understood (וַיָּבִינוּ, vayyavinu): Implies not just hearing but grasping the meaning or significance. They cognitively processed the information and deduced the correct reason. Their understanding demonstrates that the reputation of the Ark, and the God of Israel, was known even among their enemies.
  • ark of the covenant of the LORD (אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה, aron berit YHWH):
    • Ark (אֲרוֹן, aron): The sacred chest containing the tablets of the Covenant, representing God's throne and presence among Israel.
    • covenant (בְּרִית, berit): The solemn agreement between God and Israel, central to Israel's identity and faith.
    • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, distinct from generic deities. Its inclusion signifies the specific power associated with the God of Israel, not just any god.
  • was come into the camp: Its arrival was pivotal, turning the tide of Philistine sentiment from complacency to fear.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "heard the noise of the shout": The Philistines were accustomed to battle sounds, but this teruah was different. Its unusual character suggested something more profound than a standard battle cry, hinting at religious or divine involvement.
  • "What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews?": Their immediate inquiry shows alarm and an attempt to interpret an unprecedented event. Their reference to "Hebrews" emphasizes their perception of the Israelites as a distinct, divinely-connected people.
  • "And they understood that the ark of the covenant of the LORD was come into the camp.": This swift realization indicates prior knowledge or legends about the Ark's power and its significance to Israel, possibly linked to tales of the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan. It demonstrates a chilling, accurate assessment of what had truly entered the field.

1 Samuel 4 6 Bonus section

The Philistines' immediate recognition and fearful reaction to the teruah and the Ark's arrival foreshadow the profound impact the Ark will have on them later, even in their own territory. Their perception of the Ark, while still from a polytheistic worldview, was surprisingly astute in understanding that the "God" of the Ark was potent and unlike their own deities. This moment marks a tragic irony: the Philistines grasped the terror of YHWH's symbol, while Israel mistakenly believed they could manipulate it. This failure of Israel to truly know their God, even as their enemies acknowledged His power, is a recurring theme in Scripture.

1 Samuel 4 6 Commentary

1 Samuel 4:6 serves as a pivot point in the narrative, highlighting the Philistines' correct understanding of the spiritual gravity associated with the Ark's arrival, contrasting starkly with Israel's misguided presumption. The intense teruah shout, typically associated with the LORD's presence and intervention (as seen at Jericho), was recognized by the Philistines as an unmistakable sign. They knew the Ark was no mere idol; it represented YHWH, the God of Israel, whose mighty acts had a fearsome reputation, particularly those remembered from the Exodus. This fear demonstrates that even pagans acknowledged, at some level, the unique power of YHWH. Ironically, while the Israelites believed the Ark's presence guaranteed victory, God had chosen not to fight for them, given their sin and the misuse of the Ark. The Philistines’ fear, however, led them to immediate and resolute action in the following verses. This moment perfectly illustrates the superficiality of Israel’s faith: they possessed the Ark, the symbol, but lacked true devotion and obedience to the God of the Ark, a failing even their enemies recognized in part.