The Ark Among the Philistines

Abinadab, Custodian of the Ark

Custodian who housed the Ark of the Covenant in his home for twenty years

A resident of Kiriath-jearim whose household served as the sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant for twenty years following its return from the Philistines.

Benjamin, Son of Jacob

Youngest son of Jacob and the full brother of Joseph whose presence in Egypt led to his family's reconciliation

The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin was the beloved patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel and a central figure in the narrative of Joseph's rise in Egypt.

Eleazar

Man living at the time of United Monarchy

Eli

High Priest at Shiloh who mentored the prophet Samuel and suffered the loss of the Ark of the Covenant

Eli was a high priest of Israel at Shiloh and a judge during the transition to the United Monarchy, known for mentoring the prophet Samuel.

Hebrews

Covenant people of God descended from Abraham

The Hebrews represent the covenant people descended from Abraham, serving as the primary ethnic and spiritual identity of God’s chosen nation throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Hophni

Priest of Shiloh whose corruption led to his death and the capture of the Ark

A priest of Israel at Shiloh and son of Eli whose corrupt behavior and eventual death in battle signaled the end of his family’s priestly dominance.

Ichabod

Son of Phinehas whose name symbolized the departure of God's glory from Israel

The son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli, Ichabod is best known for his symbolic name meaning 'the glory has departed,' marking the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant.

Israel

Patriarch who wrestled with God and fathered the twelve tribes

The third patriarch of the covenant, formerly known as Jacob, who received his name after wrestling with God and became the father of the twelve tribes.

Joshua of Beth-shemesh

Landowner whose field received the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines

A landowner in Beth-shemesh whose field served as the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant upon its return from Philistia.

Levi, Son of Jacob

Patriarch of the priestly tribe and participant in the massacre at Shechem

The third son of Jacob and Leah, a patriarch whose descendants were set apart as the priestly and ministerial class for the nation of Israel.

Pharaoh, King of the Exodus

Egyptian king who opposed Moses and was defeated at the Red Sea

The stubborn monarch of Egypt who resisted the divine command to release the Israelites, ultimately succumbing after ten plagues and the destruction of his army.

Phinehas, Son of Eli

Priest of Shiloh whose death fulfilled a prophecy of judgment against the house of Eli

Phinehas was a priest at Shiloh during the United Monarchy whose death coincided with the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant.

Samuel

Prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel

A pivotal prophet, priest, and the final judge of Israel who presided over the transition from the loose confederation of tribes to the United Monarchy.