What does 1 Samuel 4:2 mean?
The stage is set for battle. The Philistines seem intent on expand their control over northern territories. Their army is camped at Aphek. To oppose them and to keep the Philistines from moving farther into their own population in the hill country of Ephraim, the Israelite army has encamped about two miles away at a place called Ebenezer.The Philistines draw up their battle lines, meaning that they spread out their army and take their positions along a pre-specified line before all attacking the Israelites together. The first battle does not end the conflict, but the Philistines dominate the Israelites, killing many men.