Reference

1 Samuel 4:3

And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
1

And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben–ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.

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.

3

And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

4

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5

And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

Why This Verse Was Tagged

Earthly Sanctuary System
Keyword Match
90% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Israel-Specific Promises

This verse describes the elders of Israel *misunderstanding* God's will and attempting to manipulate Him through the Ark, rather than referencing a specific promise or covenant made to Israel.

Earthly Sanctuary System

The verse focuses on the Ark of the Covenant as an object of power for salvation in battle, rather than explicitly detailing the broader sanctuary system, its rituals, or the priesthood. While the Ark is part of the sanctuary, the text emphasizes its immediate, perceived military utility over its role within the sacrificial or Levitical framework.

Israel-Specific Promises
Israel-Specific Promises

Private Study Note

Add your own reflections or cross-references for this verse.

Log in to add notes