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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 4 - Verse 6

4:6
And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

Meaning

When the Philistines heard a great shout coming from the camp of the Hebrews, they were perplexed and asked what it could mean. Upon investigating, they realized that the noise was due to the arrival of the ark of the Lord in the Hebrew camp. This event signifies the presence of God among His people and symbolizes His power and protection. The Philistines, who were the enemies of the Israelites, feared the presence of the ark because they recognized it as a symbol of divine authority and strength. The arrival of the ark brought hope and confidence to the Hebrews as they believed that God was with them, fighting on their behalf. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of God’s presence in the lives of believers and His ability to deliver them from their enemies.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the significance of the Ark of the Lord in the Old Testament. The Ark, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a sacred symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. When the Philistines heard the shout coming from the Hebrew camp, they immediately recognized the power and authority that the Ark represented. The Ark was a physical manifestation of the Israelites' faith and trust in God. The Philistines' reaction demonstrates the fear and awe that the presence of the Ark inspired in those who did not worship the one true God. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting God's presence and power in our lives. It also emphasizes the idea that God's presence can bring both blessings and judgment, depending on one's response to it.

American Standard Version

And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of Jehovah was come into the camp.
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