1 Samuel 4

1 Samuel 4:1

THe word of Samuel] That is, the prophecy revealed unto him by the LORD, concerning the slaughter of the Israelites came to passe, as he foretold, Chap. 3. 11.

came] Or, came to passe. Heb. was.

Eben-ezer] That is, the stone of help, so called here by anticipation; for it was so named afterwards by Samuel upon the occasion of his victory, Chap. 7. 12.

in Aphek] A city in the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:53.

1 Samuel 4:2

they joyned battell] Heb. the battell was spread.

the army] Heb. the aray.

1 Samuel 4:3

Wherefore hath the Lord] Some think that this expedition was by Samuels advice, which maketh them upon their ill successe, to aske this question, not being duly conscious to themselves of their demerits and sin.

fetch the ark] Heb. take unto us. Not asking before counsell of God, and trusting more in the visible signe of Gods presence, then in his promises apprehended by faith.

1 Samuel 4:4

between the cherubims] From whence God gave his answers to Moses, Aaron, and others that succeeded them, Exodus 25:22. Numbers 7:89. See 2 Kings 19:15.

were there] That is, in the camp, or in Shiloh, where the ark was before it was brought thence.

1 Samuel 4:7

Wo unto us] For before we fought against men, and now God is come to fight against us, Exodus 14:25.

heretofore] Heb. yesterday, or the third day.

1 Samuel 4:8

these mighty Gods] Speaking impiously of the one onely true God, after their own idolatrous manner, who worshipped many gods or idols.

in the wildernesse] That is, not onely in the land of Egypt, but also in the red sea, which lyeth by the wildernesse of Etham, Exodus 13:20. and Exodus 14:27.

1 Samuel 4:9

as they have been to you] Judg. 13. 1.

quit your selves like men] Heb. be men.

1 Samuel 4:10

into his tent] That is, to his own dwelling. So Cha. 13. 2. 1 Kings 12:16.

1 Samuel 4:11

was taken] Psalms 78:61.

Hophni and Pnehs] Chap. 2. 34.

were slain] Heb. died.

1 Samuel 4:12

clothes rent] That is, in token of grief and mourning. See Joshua 7:6.

1 Samuel 4:13

watching] That is, expecting news from the camp.

all the citie cryed out] That is, lamented for that great defeat, and the taking of the ark.

1 Samuel 4:15

his eyes were dun] Chap. 3. 2. Heb. stood.

1 Samuel 4:16

is there done] Heb. is the thing.

1 Samuel 4:17

are dead] That is, are slain in the battle.

1 Samuel 4:18

of the gate] To wit, of the city where he sae, expecting news, or of the tabernacle where he usually attended, Chap. 1. 9.

1 Samuel 4:19

to be delivered] Or, to cry out.

she bowed her self] To wit, by reason of her pain and anguish that came upon her, upon the sudden, hearing of this lamentable news.

came upon her] Heb. were turned.

1 Samuel 4:20

neither did she regard it] Heb. set not her heart.

1 Samuel 4:21

I-chabod] That is, where is the glory? or, there is glory.

The glory is departed] For the ark of God was the glory of Israel, because it was a signe of Gods gracious presence among his people, Psalms 26:8. and Psalms 78:61.

1 Samuel 4:22

And she said] That is, by repeating her words, she more fully expressed the greatnesse of her grief.