Definition: And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Samuel 4:22. It’s a really important and dramatic moment in the story of Samuel and the Israelites. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, it means: God is withdrawing his favor and blessing from Israel. He’s decided that the time has come for something significant to happen – and that something really big. Let's unpack it a little more: “And she said…” : This tells us who is saying this. It’s Hannah, Samuel’s daughter, who is grieving because her son, Boaz, has become the King of Israel. “…The glory is departed from Israel…” : "Glory" in this context refers to God's favor, his presence, and his blessing on Israel. This is a big deal – it means things are good, he’s happy with them, and they’re thriving. When "glory departs," it signifies that something is being taken away. “…for the ark of God is taken.” : This is the key part. The “ark of God” is a special box or container – often associated with the Tabernacle (a place where God lived with his people) and later, the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse says that God has chosen to take this ark away from Israel. What does this all mean practically? It’s a very clear sign of a shift in power and control. God is moving away from Israel. It's a moment of profound sadness and uncertainty for the Israelites, but it also signifies a change in God's plan – he’s choosing someone else to be king. Context is important: This verse happened after Samuel had been tasked with finding a suitable wife for Boaz. The loss of Hannah's son and his grief shows that God was withdrawing his favor, and this was a significant step in that process. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the larger story of Israel’s history?