1 Samuel 4:4-22.
The Israelites then sent to Shiloh and brought up the ark of the Lord, with the two sons of Eli as priests. They thought they were sure to be victorious while the ark was in the camp, and so when it was brought in, the people gave such a mighty shout that the earth echoed and rang with the cheers. Oh, how people like cheering and boasting!
When the Philistines heard what had taken place they really trembled, for they knew what God had done for His people in delivering them out of Egypt, and they feared what would happen to them. Nevertheless they strengthened their hands and decided to fight with all their might. The children of Israel were confident too, so it was a fierce battle, ‘but alas, Israel was defeated and put to flight. Thirty thousand of them were put to death, among them the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. Worst of all the ark of God was taken and carried away by the Philistines. Oh, how foolish for Israel to think that the ark would deliver them when they had forsaken the Lord. Surely it is like Christendom today, which boasts of its enlightenment, but alas, God is being left out of all their plans and schemes. To call themselves Christian nations, and yet set aside the authority of God’s Word, and sink into open sin, is serious indeed. Yet there is a false confidence seen, like Israel in our chapter, which is soon to be followed by the most solemn judgments. “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them... and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:3. If a careless professor, who is not saved, should read these lines, may it be a warning to you, for position and privilege are of no avail apart from the possession of divine life in the soul.
One feels there is also a danger of boasting of a scriptural position today, while we fail to walk in the practical truth of it. Israel’s position was surely one of privilege, and it was a marvelous thing to have the ark of God among them, but this in itself did not keep them—it only made them much more responsible. This is deeply solemn, for a right position will never keep anyone, any more than the ark delivered Israel at this time. May we know more of keeping the Lord’s Word and not denying His name (Revelation 3:8), in the spirit of true humility. Boasting today would be like Israel’s shout when the ark came into the camp, entirely out of place; but when there is confession, and an acknowledging of the ruin, while valuing the position that is according to truth, how the Lord delights to encourage such. (See Haggai 2:3-5.) May we be real before Him!
The message was carried to Shiloh of this defeat at the hand of the Philestines, and when poor Eli heard that the ark of God was taken, he fell over backward in his seat and died. Phinehas’ wife, too, gave birth at this time to a son, and called him Ichabod which means “there is no glory,” for she said, “The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” Then she herself died. Truly we can say that “there is no glory” was then written across the nation of Israel. It is because of this that Samuel is spoken of as the first prophet (Acts 3:24) to announce the coming of Christ. He alone will bring in the promised day of glory for Israel.
ML 05/02/1954