“And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.”
This verse is part of the account of the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines and the ensuing tragic events that took place in Israel. To understand the context and significance of this verse, let’s explore the broader narrative.
The events leading up to 1 Samuel 4:19 can be traced back to the time when Israel was under the leadership of Eli, who served as both the high priest and a judge. The people of Israel were engaged in a battle against the Philistines, and they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence among them, to the battle camp, hoping that it would bring them victory.
However, despite the presence of the Ark, the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines, and the Ark was captured. This was a devastating blow to the Israelites, as they believed that the presence of the Ark guaranteed God’s favor and protection.
The verse specifically focuses on the reaction of Phinehas’ wife, who was with child at the time. Upon hearing the news of the Ark’s capture and the death of her father-in-law (Eli) and her husband, she went into labor. The phrase “she bowed herself and travailed” signifies her intense grief and distress upon learning of the tragic events that unfolded.
This verse highlights the emotional impact and consequences of the Israelites’ defeat and the loss of the Ark. It reveals the profound sorrow and anguish that Phinehas’ wife experienced, particularly due to the deaths of her family members and the capture of the Ark, which represented the relationship between God and His people.
From a broader perspective, this verse serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and spiritual decline. The Israelites had neglected their covenant relationship with God, relying on external symbols, such as the Ark, rather than genuine faith and obedience. The loss of the Ark and the tragic deaths of Eli and Phinehas served as a wake-up call for the nation, demonstrating the need for repentance and a return to wholehearted devotion to God.
In summary, 1 Samuel 4:19 in the KJV depicts the intense grief and anguish of Phinehas’ wife upon hearing about the capture of the Ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and husband. It also underscores the larger spiritual lesson of the consequences of Israel’s spiritual decline and the need for genuine repentance and devotion to God.
