1 Samuel 4:12-17 ▼

12 That very same day, a man who was a descendant of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh, with his garments torn and dirt on his head.

13 When he arrived, Eli was sitting there on a seat beside the road, watching because his heart trembled for the Ark of God. The man went into the town to give the report, and the whole town cried out.

14 Eli heard the sound of the cry and asked, |What is the meaning of this commotion?| Then the man quickly came and told Eli.

15 Now Eli was 98 years old, and his vision had failed.

16 The man told Eli, |I've just come from the battle line, and I escaped from the battle today.| He asked, |What happened, my son?|

17 The messenger answered, |Israel fled from the Philistines and the people suffered a great defeat as well. Moreover, your two sons, Hophni and Phineas, are dead, and the Ark of God was captured.|