Add parallel Print Page Options

17 “Israel fled from the Philistines,” the messenger answered. “Our troops suffered heavy casualties. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, also are dead, and the ark of Elohim has been captured.”

18 When the messenger mentioned the ark of Elohim, Eli fell from his chair backwards toward the gate. He broke his neck, and he died. (The man was old and heavy.) He had judged[a] Israel for 40 years.

19 His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant. When she heard the news that the ark of Elohim had been captured and her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor prematurely and gave birth to a son.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 4:18 Eli served as a God-appointed political/religious leader of Israel like the judges in the book of Judges.

Bible Gateway Recommends

Praying the Names of Jesus
Praying the Names of Jesus
Retail: $21.99
Our Price: $13.49
Save: $8.50 (39%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Names of God
The Names of God
Retail: $16.99
Our Price: $12.99
Save: $4.00 (24%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $6.00 (30%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide - eBook
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide - eBook
Retail: $11.49
Our Price: $2.99
Save: $8.50 (74%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars