C: The capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines directly contributed to the death of Eli, the high priest of Israel, as recounted in 1 Samuel 4. A messenger arrived at Shiloh and informed Eli about the defeat of the Israelite army, the capture of the ark, and the death of his sons (l Samuel 4:12-18). Upon hearing the news, Eli, who was old and blind, fell backward off his chair and broke his neck, resulting in his death (l Samuel 4:18).