The news of the capture of the ark caused the death of Eli. But why did he suffer it to be taken to the war? Weakness and irresolution were the ruin of the aged priest. Barnabas, one of the choicest of New Testament saints, resembled Eli in this. May God in His mercy preserve us from this snare, so congenial to our ease-loving nature. May He grant us grace to put the foot down firmly where divine interests are at stake.
Yet Eli was at heart a pious man. It was the mention of the ark of God rather than the slaughter of his sons which overcame him. In like manner, it was the loss of the ark which brought premature labor and death upon the wife of Phinehas. Whatever the character of her husband, she formed part of the true-hearted remnant of that day. “Ichabod,” she said, when her son was born, “the glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken.” The blood-stained mercy-seat was in the hands of the enemy. On what ground did Israel now stand with God? Both Eli and the dying woman felt that everything was ruined.
Do we feel dishonor to the name of the Lord, and the condition of God's people, as deeply as these devout souls of old? Let us examine our hearts and consider.