07 Dark Days for Israel

In this chapter, we will see that even though God was raising up as the new spiritual leader for the nation, things have not changed much in the hearts and actions of the Israelites, and dark days would be certainly ahead for the nation.

1 War with the Philistines

1 Samuel 4:1-3

• The same territory being fought over then, is still being fought over today.

In verse 1, we see Samuel spoke to the nation before they went to war.

• Manuscripts such as the Septuagint indicate the Philistines started the conflict.

In verse 3, the elders found it hard to believe the Lord would allow for their defeat.

• But rather than seeking God’s will, the elders determined to bring the ark of the covenant into the battle.
• They believed the ark would save them.

2 The Ark is Captured

1 Samuel 4:4-11

• The ark was to be an earthly, and physical representation of God’s heavenly throne.

Here’s what we should do when life’s circumstances overwhelm us:

Psalm 61:2

• The Bible tells us of other occasions when the ark was brought into battle.
• While the Israelites certainly needed God’s help, they were going about it in the wrong way.
• The Philistines were initially afraid after hearing the way the Israelites reacted when the ark was brought into their camp.
• The Philistines strengthened themselves and defeated Israel and captured the ark.

3 The Glory Has Departed

1 Samuel 4:12-22

• Word was brought to Eli that his sons were killed, and the ark was captured.
• Phineas’ wife was about to give birth when she was told of the defeat and the capture of the ark. She named the child Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed.”