1 Samuel 4 and 5 are part of what is called the ark narrative because they tell the story of the Philistine’s victory over Israel and their possession of the ark of the covenant.
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Samuel is absent from these chapters. The focus is on the failure of Eli and his sons as spiritual leaders. The loss of the Ark of the Covenant was a visible symbol of Israel’s broken covenant with God. In chapter 7, Samuel is reintroduced to lead Israel to repentance and deliverance from the Philistines. The first scene in chapter 4 begins with a note from the author that Samuel is doing his job. He is spreading the word of God; however, what happens next implies that Israel was not listening.
These chapter show the consequences of forgetting God and of trying to control God. For the Israelites, they forgot God in their decisions which led to much death and defeat. They bring the Ark into battle (thinking they could push God to protecting them by moving it) and as such God lets the Ark (His presence) be removed from the people.
Scene 1: The Consequences of Forgetting God
In Scene 2: The Consequences of Trying to Control God
In Scene 3: The Death of Eli and the Birth of Ichabod
Scene 4: The Philistines Can’t Control God Either
Scene 5: The Lord’s Heavy Hand Sends the Ark on a Tour of Terror
Show Notes:
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