Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair by the side of the road, watching, because his heart feared for the ark of God. When the man entered the town and told what had happened, the whole town sent up a cry. New Living Translation Eli was waiting beside the road to hear the news of the battle, for his heart trembled for the safety of the Ark of God. When the messenger arrived and told what had happened, an outcry resounded throughout the town. English Standard Version When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. Berean Standard Bible When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. King James Bible And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. New King James Version Now when he came, there was Eli, sitting on a seat by the wayside watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told it, all the city cried out. New American Standard Bible When he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road keeping watch, because his heart was anxious about the ark of God. And the man came to give a report in the city, and all the city cried out. NASB 1995 When he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road eagerly watching, because his heart was trembling for the ark of God. So the man came to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out. NASB 1977 When he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road eagerly watching, because his heart was trembling for the ark of God. So the man came to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out. Legacy Standard Bible And he came, and behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road eagerly watching because his heart was trembling for the ark of God. Now the man came to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out. Amplified Bible When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road, keeping watch, because his heart was anxious about the ark of God. When the man arrived to report [the news] in the city, everyone in the city cried out [to God, for help]. Christian Standard Bible When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair beside the road waiting, because he was anxious about the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the entire city cried out. Holman Christian Standard Bible When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair beside the road watching, because he was anxious about the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the entire city cried out. American Standard Version And when he came, lo, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the wayside watching; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. Contemporary English Version He went into town and told the news about the battle, and everyone started crying. Eli was afraid that something might happen to the sacred chest. So he was sitting on his chair beside the road, just waiting. English Revised Version And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon his seat by the way side watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. GOD'S WORD® Translation When he arrived, Eli was sitting on a chair beside the road, watching. He was worried about the ark of God. The man went into the city to tell the news. The whole city cried out. Good News Translation Eli, who was very worried about the Covenant Box, was sitting in his seat beside the road, staring. The man spread the news throughout the town, and everyone cried out in fear. International Standard Version When he arrived, Eli was sitting there on a seat beside the road, watching because his heart trembled for the Ark of God. The man went into the town to give the report, and the whole town cried out. Majority Standard Bible When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. NET Bible When he arrived in Shiloh, Eli was sitting in his chair watching by the side of the road, for he was very worried about the ark of God. As the man entered the city to give his report, the whole city cried out. New Heart English Bible When he came, look, Eli was sitting on his seat by the side of the gate watching the road, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. Webster's Bible Translation And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the way-side watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. World English Bible When 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he comes in, and behold, Eli is sitting on the throne by the side of the way, watching, for his heart has been trembling for the Ark of God, and the man has come into the city and declares [it], and all the city cries out. Young's Literal Translation and he cometh in, and lo, Eli is sitting on the throne by the side of the way, watching, for his heart hath been trembling for the ark of God, and the man hath come in to declare it in the city, and all the city crieth out. Smith's Literal Translation And he will come, and behold, Eli sitting upon a seat of the side of the way, looking about: for his heart was trembling for the ark of God. And the man came to announce in the city, and all the city will cry out. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he was come, Heli sat upon a stool over against the way watching. For his heart was fearful for the ark of God. And when the man was come into the city, he told it: and all the city cried out. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he had arrived, Eli was sitting on a seat opposite the way, gazing out. For his heart was fearful on behalf of the ark of God. Then, after this man entered the city, he announced it to the city. And the entire city wailed. New American Bible When he arrived, Eli was sitting in his chair beside the gate, watching the road, for he was troubled at heart about the ark of God. The man, however, went into the city to announce his news; then the whole city cried out. New Revised Standard Version When he arrived, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Eli was sitting upon a seat by the wayside watching; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city to tell of the disaster, all the city cried out. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Eli was sitting on a seat on the side of the road, and behold it was because his heart trembled for the Ark of God, and the man came to tell it in the city, and all the city wailed OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon his seat by the wayside watching; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he came, an behold, Heli was upon the seat by the gate looking along the way, for his heart was greatly alarmed for the ark of God: and the man entered into the city to bring tidings; and the city cried out. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Death of Eli12That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 13When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. 14Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.… Cross References 1 Samuel 1:9 So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 1 Samuel 3:2 And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. 1 Samuel 14:2 Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, 1 Kings 1:49-50 At this, all the guests of Adonijah arose in terror and scattered. / But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. 1 Kings 2:28 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. 2 Kings 19:1 On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 22:11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes 2 Chronicles 34:19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes Nehemiah 1:4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Psalm 78:61-64 He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. / He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage. / Fire consumed His young men, and their maidens were left without wedding songs. ... Isaiah 37:1 On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. Jeremiah 4:19 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. Matthew 26:65 At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. Mark 14:63 At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses? Treasury of Scripture And when he came, see, Eli sat on a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. sat upon 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. his heart Joshua 7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? Nehemiah 1:3,4 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire… Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Jump to Previous Ark Arrived Chair City Cried Cry Eagerly Eli Entered Heart News Outcry Road Sat Seat Seated Side Sitting Trembled Trembling Watching Wayside Way-Side WholeJump to Next Ark Arrived Chair City Cried Cry Eagerly Eli Entered Heart News Outcry Road Sat Seat Seated Side Sitting Trembled Trembling Watching Wayside Way-Side Whole1 Samuel 4 1. The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer3. They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines 10. They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain 12. Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck 19. Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies When he arrived This phrase refers to the arrival of a messenger from the battlefield. In the context of ancient Israel, messengers were often sent to deliver news of military outcomes. The arrival signifies a moment of anticipation and potential dread, as the outcome of the battle would have significant implications for the nation. there was Eli sitting on his chair beside the road and watching because his heart trembled for the ark of God When the man entered the city to give a report the whole city cried out Persons / Places / Events 1. EliThe high priest of Israel at the time, Eli was an elderly man whose heart was deeply concerned for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people. 2. The Ark of God A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. Its capture by the Philistines was a significant event, indicating a spiritual crisis for Israel. 3. The Messenger A man from the battlefield who brought news of Israel's defeat and the capture of the Ark. His report caused great distress in the city. 4. The City Shiloh, where the tabernacle and the Ark were located. The city's reaction to the news highlights the communal impact of the loss. 5. The Philistines Israel's enemies who captured the Ark, representing a physical and spiritual threat to Israel. Teaching Points The Weight of Spiritual LeadershipEli's trembling heart for the Ark underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to care deeply for the things of God. Leaders today should similarly prioritize spiritual matters and the well-being of their congregations. The Consequences of Disobedience The capture of the Ark serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and neglect of God's commands. Believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word to avoid spiritual defeat. The Presence of God The Ark symbolized God's presence, and its loss was devastating. Christians are reminded of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, who now dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Community Impact of Spiritual Events The city's collective cry highlights how spiritual events affect entire communities. Believers should be aware of how their spiritual health impacts those around them.(13) Eli sat upon a seat.--The text here is a little confused, but the sense is perfectly clear. The best and most accurate rendering would be, Eli sat by the side of the way of the watchers: i.e., the street or way in Shiloh, so named probably from the watch-tower which was situated in it. (See Speaker's Commentary here.) The LXX. renders it, "by the side of the gate watching the way." The old judge was naturally anxious for news from the army. It must be remembered the people had already (1Samuel 4:2) suffered a great reverse in the first battle of Aphek, when 4,000 fell, but his chief anxiety was for that sacred Ark which he had allowed--no doubt against his better judgment--to leave the sanctuary. All had gone wrong lately, and the high priest was deeply conscious that he, for his part, with his culpable weakness, and his priestly sons, with their flagrant wickedness, had broken the covenant with the invisible King. Eli knew too much of the Eternal Guardian of Israel to put any real trust in the power of the lifeless Ark. It was a long time, the high priest well knew, since the glory had rested on its golden mercy-seat between the silent cherubim. Had that mysterious light shone in the dark Holy of Holies since the night when the Divine voice spoke to the child, telling him the doom of the house of Ithamar? So he waited with sorrowful forebodings the advent of the messenger, asking himself, Would the Ark ever return to Shiloh? Verse 13. - Upon a seat - literally, "the throne" - by the wayside, whither his official chair had been removed to some spot near the gate of the city (see ver. 18), and probably commanding a view of the pathway by which a messenger would arrive. There probably for hours he had sat, anxiously awaiting tidings of the ark, which, we may feel sure, he had very unwillingly allowed to be carried away into the camp. When the man came into the city. Literally the words are, "And the man came to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out." We are not to suppose with some that Eli, being old and now blind, let the messenger slip by unobserved. A man of his high rank would not be alone, and the mention of his throne suggests that he was seated there in somewhat of official dignity. And so, as the runner drew near, with the symbols of disaster upon his person, the priests and Levites in attendance upon Eli would begin the cry of sorrow, and soon it would spread throughout all Shiloh.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When he arrived,וַיָּב֗וֹא (way·yā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go there וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! was Eli עֵ֠לִי (‘ê·lî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5941: Eli -- a priest at Shiloh sitting יֹשֵׁ֨ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against his chair הַכִּסֵּ֜א (hak·kis·sê) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne beside יַ֥ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike the road, דֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action watching, מְצַפֶּ֔ה (mə·ṣap·peh) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction his heart לִבּוֹ֙ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre trembled חָרֵ֔ד (ḥā·rêḏ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2730: Fearful, reverential for עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative When the man וְהָאִ֗ישׁ (wə·hā·’îš) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person entered בָּ֚א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the city בָּעִ֔יר (bā·‘îr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement to give a report, לְהַגִּ֣יד (lə·hag·gîḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every city הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement cried out. וַתִּזְעַ֖ק (wat·tiz·‘aq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly Links 1 Samuel 4:13 NIV1 Samuel 4:13 NLT 1 Samuel 4:13 ESV 1 Samuel 4:13 NASB 1 Samuel 4:13 KJV 1 Samuel 4:13 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 4:13 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 4:13 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 4:13 French Bible 1 Samuel 4:13 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 4:13 When he came behold Eli was sitting (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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