Most commentators agree that the first sentence of v. 1 belongs to the last verse of ch. 3, for it was not Samuel’s counsel that Israel go to war with the Philistines. Inasmuch as Samuel is not mentioned again till after the ark had been in Kirjath-jearim for many years, it may be that the princes of Israel had refused to consult the newly recognized prophet (ch. 7:3). The prophet of God would never have counseled sending the ark away from Shiloh (see on v. 3). But those who had rejected the instruction of the Lord regarding the worship to be offered Him would come to look upon the ark with superstitious fear and to think of it as a talisman whose magic qualities assured them blessings of every kind.

All Israel, however, recognized the difference between Samuel and the sons of Eli, and those who were spiritually-minded came to the new prophet for counsel and help. They knew of his prophecy against Eli and his house, and were convinced that his call was of the Lord. When leaders err, many permit the moral tone of their own lives to fall. But there are always a few who are not turned away from the path of right by the conduct of their social superiors.

 The book of Judges states that Israel was in bondage to the Philistines for 40 years (Judges 13:1), during which time Samson judged the land for 20 years (Judges 15:20; 16:31). Eli’s judgeship either followed or overlapped Samson’s. Eli functioned as judge for 40 years (1 Sam. 4:18). When Eli became so old as to lose control over state affairs, the Philistines may have felt that the time had come for them to secure control of the hill country. Knowing that the center of government was at Shiloh, they would naturally send their army toward it.

 Aphek, “fortress,” or “enclosure,” is from a verb meaning “to force,” “to compel,” “to hold.” The city has been identified with Antipatris, a town in the Plain of Sharon, about 11 1/4 mi. (18 km.) northeast of Joppa. This would be less than 25 mi. (40 km.) from Shiloh, whence the ark was carried to the battlefield (ch. 4:10, 11).

 Except for Antipatris, no definite site is known that might be identified with Aphek. Aphek in the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:30, 31) is too far north to merit consideration. In view of the fact that Aphek means “fortress,” the name might have been applied to various fortified sites, either permanent or temporary.