Reading for February 15th

 Read 1 Samuel 4.1b-22. In 4.1b-22: The capture of the ark. Many scholars believe that 4.1-7.1 and possibly 2 Sam 6 are based on an old "ark narrative" which described the capture and return of the ark. In verse 1b: The Philistines came from the northwestern Mediterranean area (especially the island of Crete and entered Palestine (which is derived from 'Philistine") in approximately 1200 BCE, about the same time the Israelites were emerging in the central highlands. In this period they were Israel's traditional enemy. In verse 4: Cherubim were mythical griffin-like creatures with body parts from different creatures, often including wings and human heads. They were commonly depicted in palaces and temples. The ark is described as the throne of "the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim," and the Israelites believe that the Lord is therefor present with them in battle. In verse 6: Hebrews is a term commonly used in the Bible but foreigners speaking of the Israelites. It may designate socioeconomic group rather that an ethic or family unit. In verses 7-8: God's: The Philistines assume that the Israelites, like themselves, are polytheists. In verse 18: Forty years in the Bible is a round number for a single generation. In verses 21-22: Ichabod probably means "Where is the glory?" Phinehas' wife gives her son this name in lamentation for the capture of the ark, which represents the Lord's presence or glory. Comments or Questions..