Lux Domini
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

What does 1 Samuel 4:11 mean?

The taking of the ark was a great judgment upon Israel, and a certain token of God's displeasure. Let none think to shelter themselves from the wrath of God, under the cloak of outward profession.

Key themes

HopeJustice and mercyLeadershipAnointing

Read with

Keep this verse inside 1 Samuel 4:10-11 and alongside a few nearby related passages.

Glossary

Ark Object

Noah’s ark, a building of gopher-wood, and covered with pitch, 300 cubits long, 50 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high.

Eli Person

Ascent, the high priest when the ark was at Shiloh ( 1 Sam. 1:3 , 9). He was the first of the line of Ithamar, Aaron’s fourth son ( 1 Chr. 24:3 ; comp. 2 Sam. 8:17 ), who held that office.

Phinehas Person

Mouth of brass, or from old Egypt, the negro. (1. ) Son of Eleazar, the high priest ( Ex. 6:25 ).