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1 Samuel 4:19 (BSB)
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.” — 1 Samuel 4:19
This moment is heavy with emotion! Picture this: a woman in labor, anticipating the joy of bringing a new life into the world. But instead, she’s met with devastating news. The ark of God—the symbol of hope and divine presence—is taken, and her husband and father-in-law are dead. The weight of despair crashes down on her, and she gives birth in a moment of anguish. It’s a powerful snapshot of how life can turn upside down in an instant, mixing joy and sorrow in one breath. You can feel the tension, can’t you? It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change.
This book, 1 Samuel, is traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, who lived through these tumultuous times. He was a key figure in bridging the era of the judges and the monarchy in Israel. By including this detail about Phinehas's wife, Samuel highlights the intense grief and tragedy felt by individuals in the face of national crisis. Samuel’s perspective is shaped by his understanding of leadership and the consequences of turning away from trust in God. He wants readers to see how far-reaching the consequences of their choices can be, both for leaders and ordinary people.
When this was written, Israel was in a state of turmoil, battling external enemies and struggling with internal faithfulness. The culture was tribal and often chaotic, with people looking for guidance. The capture of the ark was a huge blow, not just spiritually but socially. It symbolized God’s presence with them, and losing it felt like losing their very identity. This was a time when the people desperately needed hope, and yet, they were faced with despair. Understanding this helps you see why this moment is so powerful—it’s a reflection of their collective grief and fear.
This verse matters today because it speaks to the reality of how life can hit hard when we least expect it. You might be in a season where everything seems to be going well, and then suddenly, you face a setback or loss. This woman’s experience reminds us that pain and joy can coexist, and that’s a part of life. It encourages you to stay resilient during tough times and to acknowledge your feelings, whether they are of sorrow or joy. It’s a call to be present in your struggles and to recognize that it’s okay to feel deeply.
Think about an area in your life where you might be facing a mix of emotions—perhaps a new job that feels exciting but also overwhelming, or a relationship that brings joy but also struggles. This week, take a moment to acknowledge those feelings without judgment. Write them down, pray about them, or talk with a friend. Just like this woman, it’s okay to feel the weight of both joy and sorrow. Allow yourself to process those feelings; it’s part of being human and can lead to growth.
To really grasp this moment, let’s step back a bit. Earlier in this chapter, a battle is raging between the Israelites and the Philistines, and things are looking grim. The Israelites, in a desperate attempt for victory, bring the ark into battle, thinking it will guarantee them success. But instead, they face a crushing defeat, and the ark is captured! This verse hits right after that chaos, showing the personal toll of that loss. It’s not just about the ark; it’s about real people experiencing real pain. This woman’s reaction brings the larger conflict down to a deeply personal level, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the events unfolding.
What emotions are you currently wrestling with that might feel overwhelming, and how can you bring those feelings to light this week?
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