1-Samuel - 4:5



5 When the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of 1-Samuel 4:5.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And it came to pass when the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came into the camp, that all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth shook.
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 resounded.
And it cometh to pass, at the coming in of the ark of the covenant of Jehovah unto the camp, that all Israel shout, a great shout, and the earth is moved.
And when the ark of the Lord's agreement came into the tent-circle, all Israel gave a great cry, so that the earth was sounding with it.
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.
And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord had arrived in the camp, all of Israel shouted with a great clamor, and the land resounded.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

All Israel shouted - Had they humbled themselves, and prayed devoutly and fervently for success, they would have been heard and saved. Their shouting proved both their vanity and irreligion.

And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp,.... Being brought thither by the men that carried it:
all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again; this they did as now sure of victory, because of the ark, and to give spirit and courage to each other to go forth to battle, and to strike a panic into their enemies.

On the arrival of the ark in the camp, the people raised so great a shout of joy that the earth rang again. This was probably the first time since the settlement of Israel in Canaan, that the ark had been brought into the camp, and therefore the people no doubt anticipated from its presence a renewal of the marvellous victories gained by Israel under Moses and Joshua, and for that reason raised such a shout when it arrived.

Shouted - From their great joy and confidence of success. So formal Christians triumph in external privileges and performances: as if the ark in the camp would bring them to heaven, tho' the world and the flesh reign in the heart.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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