1 Samuel 4:20

As she was dying, the women attending to her said, "Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!" But she did not respond or pay any heed.

Study Bible

As she was dying
This phrase captures the tragic moment of the wife of Phinehas, who is in the throes of death. The Hebrew root for "dying" is "mût," which conveys the finality and inevitability of death. In the historical context, her death is symbolic of the spiritual and national decline of Israel at this time, as the Ark of the Covenant has been captured by the Philistines. Her personal tragedy mirrors the larger calamity facing the nation.

the women attending her
In ancient Israelite culture, it was customary for women to assist during childbirth. These women represent the community's support system, highlighting the communal nature of life in ancient Israel. Their presence underscores the importance of community and shared experiences, even in times of personal and national crisis.

said, 'Do not despair, for you have given birth to a son!'
The phrase "Do not despair" is an attempt to offer comfort and hope. The birth of a son was traditionally seen as a blessing and a continuation of the family line. The Hebrew word for "despair" is "ʿāzab," which can also mean to forsake or abandon. The women are urging her not to abandon hope, even in her final moments, by focusing on the positive outcome of childbirth.

But she did not respond or pay any heed
This indicates her profound grief and despair. The Hebrew word for "respond" is "ʿānâ," which means to answer or reply. Her lack of response signifies her overwhelming sorrow, as the loss of the Ark and the death of her husband and father-in-law overshadow the birth of her son. This silence is a powerful testament to the depth of her anguish and the gravity of the situation facing Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman (Phinehas' Wife)
The wife of Phinehas, who was the son of Eli, the high priest. She was pregnant and went into labor upon hearing the news of the Ark of the Covenant being captured and the deaths of her husband and father-in-law.

2. The Women Attending Her
These were likely midwives or women from the community who were present to assist her during childbirth.

3. The Birth of a Son
The event of childbirth is significant here, as it is traditionally a moment of joy, yet it is overshadowed by tragedy.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the capture of the Ark by the Philistines is the backdrop of this event, symbolizing the loss of God's presence and favor.

5. Eli and Phinehas
Eli was the high priest, and Phinehas was his son. Their deaths, along with the capture of the Ark, precipitated the tragic circumstances of this verse.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Spiritual Loss
The capture of the Ark signifies a profound spiritual loss for Israel, reminding us of the importance of God's presence in our lives.

The Role of Despair and Hope
Despite the despairing circumstances, the birth of a son is a glimmer of hope. In our darkest moments, we should seek God's promises and hope.

The Impact of Leadership Failure
Eli's and his sons' failures led to national tragedy. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and personal integrity.

The Significance of Names and Legacy
The naming of Ichabod reflects the spiritual state of Israel. Our actions and decisions can leave a lasting legacy, either positive or negative.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of Phinehas' wife to the birth of her son reflect her understanding of the events surrounding her?

2. In what ways can the capture of the Ark be seen as a consequence of Israel's spiritual state, and how does this apply to our personal spiritual lives?

3. How do the events in 1 Samuel 4:20-22 illustrate the importance of godly leadership, and what can we learn from this for our communities today?

4. Compare the response of Phinehas' wife to the birth of her son with Rachel's response in Genesis 35. What do these accounts teach us about dealing with personal tragedy?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's promises during times of despair, as seen in the birth of Ichabod amidst national crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 35:16-20
The death of Rachel during childbirth and the naming of her son, Benjamin, parallels the tragic circumstances of Phinehas' wife, highlighting themes of sorrow and legacy.

1 Samuel 4:21-22
The naming of the child Ichabod, meaning "The glory has departed," directly follows this verse and emphasizes the spiritual and national crisis Israel faces.

Psalm 78:60-64
This passage reflects on the consequences of Israel's disobedience, including the loss of the Ark, providing a broader context for the events in 1 Samuel 4.