Read the Word:
1 Samuel 4:1-22
Meditate on the Word:
I find it interesting in this passage that what people mourn is not the great loss of life, but the loss of the ark of the covenant. This was the symbol of God’s presence among His people. Even Phineas’ widow, who died right after giving birth, seemed more concerned about the loss of the ark than of her husband. Yet, God’s people did not reverence His presence among them.
As people often do, including us, the Israelites first tried to defeat the Philistines on their own. Then, when they were defeated, they blamed God. “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines?” (v. 3). Apparently, they just expected God to support their plans from a distance. After this, realizing their mistake, they decided to bring the ark with them the next time. Perhaps they thought that this would force God to act on their behalf. But Almighty God does not work that way. The Israelites could not manufacture an experience with God.
The ark was brought out by Hophni and Phineas, whom we have already been told were going to die for their sacrilege. Did the people think that God would just accompany those who had abandoned His word? Apparently so. However, again, Almighty God does not work that way. He keeps His word, and Hophni and Phineas die and the ark is captured. This visual symbol of the presence of the Lord is gone.
Let us not try to drag our God into our plans, but submit willingly to His plans.
Pray the Word:
Ask God to reveal to you any area where you have blamed Him improperly. Repent and accept responsibility for your own failure.
Leave a Reply