1 Samuel 4:2
1 Samuel 4:2 in Multiple Translations
The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield.
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines; and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
And the Philistines put their forces in order against Israel, and the fighting was hard, and Israel was overcome by the Philistines, who put to the sword about four thousand of their army in the field.
The Philistines attacked the Israelites in formation, and when the battle spread, the Philistines defeated the Israelites, killing 4,000 of them on the battlefield.
And the Philistims put themselues in aray against Israel: and when they ioyned the battell, Israel was smitten downe before the Philistims: who slewe of the armie in the fielde about foure thousand men.
and the Philistines set themselves in array to meet Israel, and the battle spreadeth itself, and Israel is smitten before the Philistines, and they smite among the ranks in the field about four thousand men.
The 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.
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
And put their army in array against Israel. And when they had joined battle, Israel turned their backs to the Philistines, and there was slain in that fight here and there in the fields about four thousand men.
The Philistine army attacked the Israeli army, and as the battle continued, the Philistines defeated the Israelis and killed about 4,000 of their soldiers.
The 2 armies met in the middle for a big fight. The Philistia mob killed dead lots of the Israel mob. 4,000 of them died.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 4:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
לִ/קְרַ֣את
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
וַ/תִּטֹּשׁ֙
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
וַ/יִּנָּ֥גֶף
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
וַ/יַּכּ֤וּ
בַ/מַּֽעֲרָכָה֙
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
כְּ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
אֲלָפִ֖ים
אִֽישׁ
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/תִּטֹּשׁ֙
nâṭash
H5203
to leave
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּנָּ֥גֶף
nâgaph
H5062
to strike
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וַ/יַּכּ֤וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַ/מַּֽעֲרָכָה֙
maʻărâkâh
H4634
rank
Prep | N-fs
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
כְּ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Prep | Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 4:2
וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/תִּטֹּשׁ֙
nâṭash
H5203
"to leave"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וַ/יִּנָּ֥גֶף
nâgaph
H5062
"to strike"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יַּכּ֤וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַ/מַּֽעֲרָכָה֙
maʻărâkâh
H4634
"rank"
Prep | N-fs
It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.
Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
כְּ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Prep | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:2
Context — The Philistines Capture the Ark
1Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.
2The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield.
3When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.” 4So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 3:40 | Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 17:8 | And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. |
| 3 | Joshua 7:5–8 | And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? |
| 4 | Joshua 7:12 | This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. |
| 5 | Psalms 79:7–8 | for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 17:21 | And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other. |
| 7 | Psalms 106:40–41 | So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance. He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. |
| 8 | Psalms 44:9–10 | But You have rejected and humbled us; You no longer go forth with our armies. You have made us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have plundered us. |
1 Samuel 4:2 Summary
In 1 Samuel 4:2, the Israelites went into battle against the Philistines without seeking God's guidance and protection, and as a result, they were defeated, with about four thousand men being killed. This verse teaches us the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, rather than our own strength, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like the Israelites, we can learn to trust in God's presence and guidance in all our endeavors, and to seek His forgiveness and guidance when we fail to trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 51:1-2. By doing so, we can avoid the same mistakes the Israelites made and instead, experience God's victory and protection in our lives, as promised in Psalm 20:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites lose the battle against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:2?
The Israelites lost the battle because they did not seek God's guidance and protection, as seen in their actions (1 Samuel 4:1-2), which is a key principle also found in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
What can we learn from the Israelites' defeat in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in all our endeavors, as the Israelites failed to do, and instead, relied on their own strength, which is also emphasized in Psalm 20:7, where it says some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
How many Israelites were killed in the battle according to 1 Samuel 4:2?
According to 1 Samuel 4:2, about four thousand Israelite men were struck down on the battlefield by the Philistines, highlighting the severity of their defeat.
Is this defeat a sign that God had abandoned the Israelites?
No, this defeat is not a sign that God had abandoned the Israelites, but rather a sign of their disobedience and lack of faith, as seen in the context of 1 Samuel 4, and also in other parts of the Bible, such as in Joshua 7, where the Israelites' disobedience led to their defeat at Ai.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength rather than seeking God's guidance and protection?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's presence and guidance in all my endeavors, as seen in the contrast between the Israelites' defeat and God's promises in Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 31:6?
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking God's will and guidance in my daily life, just as the Israelites should have done before going into battle?
- In what ways can I learn from the Israelites' mistake of relying on their own strength and instead, trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to examine my own heart and actions, and to seek God's forgiveness and guidance when I fail to trust in Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:2
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel,.... Prepared for battle, and put themselves in a posture for it; formed themselves in a line of battle, and so invited and challenged the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:2
And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
When they joined battle, Heb. when the battle was spread, i.e. when the two armies had drawn forth themselves into military order, and put themselves into the usual posture for fighting, and began to fight in their several places.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
1 Samuel 4:2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.Ver. 2. And the Philistines put themselves in array.] Heb., Marshalled themselves: to meet Israel, as thinking to hold them under; encouraged, likely, thereunto, because Eli their judge was old and feeble: but God had a holy hand in it, for the just punishment of priests and people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:2
Verse 2. Put themselves in array] There is no doubt that both the Philistines and Israelites had what might be called the art of war, according to which they marshalled their troops in the field, constructed their camps, and conducted their retreats, sieges, c. but we know not the principles on which they acted. They slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.] This must have been a severe conflict, as four thousand were left dead on the field of battle. The contest also must have lasted some considerable time, as these were all slain hand to hand; swords and spears being in all probability the only weapons then used.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:2
2. of the army] Rather, in the battle array, (Lat. in acie). In the first encounter the Israelites, though defeated with severe loss, were not put to flight, but retired to the camp (1 Samuel 4:3).
Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:2
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Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiv |
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Jeremiah & Lamentations - Through the Bible by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, trying to save them from their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing |
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Beware of the Leaven of Sin by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the leaven of sin, drawing parallels between leaven as false doctrine and sin in the Bible. It highlights the need t |
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The Need for Another Reformation by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the need for personal reformation of the heart, going beyond historical reformation movements. It calls for a renewal, restoration, and revival of truth in i |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah & Lamentations by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the life of Jeremiah, a faithful prophet who preached to Judah for over 40 years, warning them of their sins and impending judgment. Despite facing rejectio |
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Every Twig Has a Voice! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and |
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Then the Mud Appears by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's severe judgments serve as a wake-up call for individuals and nations to cease from sin and return to Him. He illustrates that God's corrections |