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.

1 SAMUEL 4:5KJV
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1 Samuel 4:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 4:5 mean?

1 Samuel 4:5 describes the Israelite army’s excited reaction when the ark of the covenant arrives at its camp. The soldiers greet its arrival with such a loud shout that the ground seems to shake. Their reaction shows how much significance they attach to the ark’s presence.

The ark was a sacred chest associated with the LORD and his agreement with Israel. After its arrival in verse 4, the storyteller focuses on the sound made by the people. The KJV phrase “the earth rang again” pictures the force of their collective cry, not a second shout.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 4:5

  • “shout” — תְּרוּעָה (teruʿah): This word can mean a loud cry or an alarm, including a shout connected with battle. Here it describes the army’s united response to the ark’s arrival.
  • “again” — הוּם (hum): The Hebrew word carries the sense of being disturbed or thrown into a commotion. The KJV’s phrase “rang again” expresses the effect of the noise; it does not mean that the earth rang a second time.

Why 1 Samuel 4:5 matters

  • The shout reveals the army’s confidence before the outcome is known. The people’s loud welcome contrasts with their later defeat and the capture of the ark in verse 11.
  • The sound also affects the other side. In verses 6–7, the Philistines hear the noise, learn that the ark has entered the camp, and become afraid.

Where else these words appear

“again” Hebrew H1949 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:23 But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.
  • Ruth 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
  • Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

“shout” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“shouted” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.