College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 4 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 4
The loss of the Ark. Israel's fortunes fell to a low ebb when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy made by the unnamed prophet (1 Samuel 2:27-36) and by the young man Samuel (1 Samuel 3:11-14). The things which were happening were enough to make the ears of those who heard to tingle.
Death of Eli. The bad news of the loss of the Ark was a shock to Eli. He had been waiting anxiously to hear news from the battle. When it came, he was overwhelmed by it.
Sadness in Israel. All Israel was affected by the sad news of the loss of the Ark. Typical of this sadness was the name, Ichabod, given to the son of Phinehas. Indeed, the glory had departed from Israel.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God does not abide in symbols. The Ark of the Covenant was but a symbol of the presence of the Lord. The people of Israel thought that its presence would assure them of victory in battle. Their superstitious enemies, the Philistines also supposed that having the Ark on the battlefield was equivalent to God's being there. The Living God, however, does not dwell in temples made with men's hands. Moreover, He cannot be confined to a wooden box. His spirit is with those who worship Him in spirit and in truth.
2.
Disobedience breeds anxiety. The aged high priest sitting in the gate of the Tabernacle area and worrying about the safety of the Ark is a pathetic picture of a man who has failed to take proper measures to guarantee God's blessings. If Eli had rebuked his sons in their earlier evil ways, he would have been strong enough to resist their unholy desire to take the Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield. Since he had been lenient on them in former activities, he was in no position to resist them in their final, fatal follies. He was left sitting helpless while tragedy fell.
3.
National calamity brings personal heartache. Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was caught up in the holocaust of Israel's national disaster. Left alone in the midst of the pains of childbirth which ultimately resulted in her own death, she used her last breath to give a very descriptive name to her sonIchabod. What was true for the millions of Israel was true for each individual. God had departed from them, because they had departed from God.
CHAPTER 4 IN REVIEW
1.
Where did Israel pitch her camp?
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2.
Where did the Philistines pitch their camp?
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3.
What did the people take into battle with them?
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4.
What name did the Philistines call the Israelites?
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5.
How many Israelites were killed in the first battle?
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6.
How many Israelites were killed in the second battle?
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7.
How old was Eli?
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8.
Of what tribe was the messenger who brought news of the battle?
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9.
What was the name of Eli's grandson?
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10.
To which of Eli's sons was the grandson born?
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