And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 7:1KJV
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1 Samuel 7:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 7:1 mean?

1 Samuel 7:1 describes how the men from Kirjathjearim went to retrieve the ark of the LORD and brought it to the house of Abinadab, which was on a hill. They set apart Abinadab’s son Eleazar to be responsible for guarding and caring for the ark.

This verse comes after the ark had been moved from place to place following its return by the Philistines. The people of Kirjathjearim took on the responsibility of safeguarding this sacred object, showing respect by appointing Eleazar, who was specially set apart for this task. The verse marks a transition in the ark’s journey and highlights the care taken to treat it with reverence.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 7:1

  • אָרוֹן (’aron, transliterated “ark”): This word refers to the sacred chest that represented God’s presence among Israel. Its movement and location were deeply significant to the people.
  • קִדֵּשׁ (qiddesh, transliterated “sanctified”): This word means to set apart or make holy. Eleazar was not just chosen but was formally dedicated for the special role of looking after the ark, emphasizing the seriousness of the responsibility.
  • שָׁמַר (shamar, transliterated “keep”): This means to guard, watch, or protect. Eleazar’s role was not only ceremonial but also practical, ensuring the ark’s safety and proper treatment.

Why 1 Samuel 7:1 matters

  • 1 Samuel 7:1 clears up that the ark did not immediately return to its original place in the tabernacle but was kept in a private home, showing a period of transition and uncertainty for Israel’s worship practices.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of treating sacred things with respect, as seen in the careful selection and sanctification of Eleazar for his role.
  • This moment sets the stage for later events in Israel’s history, as the ark’s location and handling become significant in the nation’s relationship with God and its leaders.

Where else these words appear

“Abinadab” Hebrew H41 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:33 And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

“Kirjathjearim” Hebrew H7157 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 9:17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.
  • Judges 18:12 And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

“hill” Hebrew H1389 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 49:26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
  • Psalms 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
  • Jeremiah 13:27 I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.