“And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast borne a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.”
This verse is part of the narrative surrounding the events of the Israelites and the Ark of the Covenant during the time of the judges. To fully understand its significance, let’s explore the context and key points from the preceding verses.
In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites were engaged in a battle against the Philistines. The Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God’s presence and power, to the battlefield, hoping it would grant them victory. However, the Israelites had neglected their spiritual responsibilities and were treating the Ark as a mere talisman or good luck charm.
During the battle, the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. Eli, the high priest, and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died on that day. Upon hearing the news of her husband’s death and the capture of the Ark, Eli’s daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, went into labor and gave birth to a son.
When the women around her learned of the birth of her child, they tried to console her, saying, “Fear not; for thou hast borne a son.” However, the mother’s response is recorded as, “But she answered not, neither did she regard it.”
This verse reflects the overwhelming grief and distress that had befallen the Israelites at that time. The loss of the Ark of the Covenant, the death of Eli and his sons, and the subsequent chaos were devastating events for the nation. The mother’s silence and lack of response signify her deep sorrow and despair.
Samuel 4:20 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and their misguided reliance on religious artifacts rather than genuine faith in God. It highlights the profound impact of sin and the failure to honor God in the lives of individuals and the nation as a whole.
From a spiritual perspective, this verse teaches us several important lessons:
- The importance of true faith: The Israelites’ defeat and the loss of the Ark illustrate that true victory comes from a genuine relationship with God, not from external symbols or rituals alone. It reminds us to prioritize cultivating a living faith rather than relying on superficial forms of religion.
- The consequences of disobedience: The capture of the Ark and the deaths of Eli and his sons serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. Disregarding God’s instructions and living in sin can lead to severe consequences and the loss of His blessings.
- The reality of sorrow and grief: The mother’s silence reflects the deep sorrow experienced by individuals in times of great loss. It reminds us that grief is a natural response to tragic events, and it is essential to acknowledge and process our emotions during such times.
- The need for genuine comfort: The women’s attempt to console the mother, though well-intentioned, was insufficient to alleviate her grief. True comfort can only come from God, who is the source of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This verse reminds us to seek solace in God during times of sorrow and loss.
In summary, 1 Samuel 4:20 in the KJV presents a powerful moment of grief and despair within the context of the Israelites’ defeat and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine faith, the consequences of disobedience, the reality of sorrow, and the need for true comfort from God.
