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.

1 SAMUEL 4:13KJV
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1 Samuel 4:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 4:13 mean?

1 Samuel 4:13 describes Eli sitting anxiously by the roadside, deeply worried about the fate of the ark of God. When a man arrives with news from the battlefield and enters the city, his report causes the whole city to cry out in distress.

In this verse, Eli is not in the thick of the action but is waiting outside, showing his concern and fear for the ark, which represents God's presence with Israel. The verse highlights the tension and dread among the people, especially Eli, as they await news about the battle and the ark's safety.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 4:13

  • "trembled" (חָרַד, charad): This word means to shake or be deeply afraid. The verse uses it to show the depth of Eli’s fear, not just for his sons or the army, but specifically for the ark of God.
  • "ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron): The ark refers to the sacred chest that symbolized God's covenant and presence. Eli’s focus on the ark, rather than the army or his family, emphasizes its spiritual importance.
  • "watching" (צָפָה, tsaphah): This word means to look out or keep watch. Eli is actively scanning the road, showing his anxious anticipation and personal involvement in what is happening.

Why 1 Samuel 4:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Eli’s greatest concern is for the ark of God, not just the outcome of the battle or his sons’ safety, highlighting the central role of the ark in Israel’s faith.
  • The city’s collective outcry shows how deeply the fate of the ark affects the entire community, not just the religious leaders.
  • This moment sets up the emotional and spiritual weight of the news that follows, preparing the reader for the consequences of the ark’s capture in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“trembled” Hebrew H2730 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 7:3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
  • Isaiah 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

“Eli” Hebrew H5941 · used in 30 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
  • 1 Samuel 2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.
  • 1 Samuel 3:14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

“watching” Hebrew H6822 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
  • Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

“out” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 2 Samuel 13:19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.