Philistines Capture the Ark – King Saul – The Brick Bible

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At this time, the Israelites were at war against the Philistines, and the fighting grew fierce.

1 of 14 1 Samuel 4:1

Israel was defeated by the Philistines, and about 4,000 men were killed on the battlefield.

2 of 14 1 Samuel 4:2

When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, 'Why did Yahweh bring us defeat today by the Philistines? Let's bring the ark of the covenant from Shiloh, so that while with us, it will save us from the hands of our enemies.'

3 of 14 1 Samuel 4:3

So they brought the ark of the covenant from Shiloh, and Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas were there with the ark.

4 of 14 1 Samuel 4:4

When the ark of the covenant arrived at the camp, all the Israelites shouted with such force that the ground shook.

5 of 14 1 Samuel 4:5

The Philistines heard the shout and were afraid, but said, 'Take courage! Be strong, Philistines, or else we will become slaves to the Hebrews! Be men and fight!'

6 of 14 1 Samuel 4:6–9

So the Philistines fought.

7 of 14 1 Samuel 4:10

And Israel was defeated.

8 of 14 1 Samuel 4:10

Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas were killed.

9 of 14 1 Samuel 4:11

The ark of God was captured.

10 of 14 1 Samuel 4:11

The slaughter was very great. 30,000 foot soldiers fell in battle.

11 of 14 1 Samuel 4:10

A Benjaminite ran from the battle to Shiloh, his clothes torn, and dust on his head. Eli was 98 years old and blind, sitting in his chair by the side of the road. He asked, 'What happened, my son?'

12 of 14 1 Samuel 4:12–15

He said to Eli, 'Israel has fled before the Philistines, your two sons are killed, and the ark of God is captured.'

13 of 14 1 Samuel 4:16–17

At the mention of the ark, Eli fell over backward, broke his neck, and died. He had been judge over Israel for 40 years.

14 of 14 1 Samuel 4:18

God Tortures the Philistines

God Tortures the Philistines