by:
10/25/2025
0
“Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies” (4:3). Defeated by the Philistines, the Israelites thought that bringing the ark into battle would help them win. Seeing the ark, the Israelite soldiers gave a “mighty shout”, and the Philistines were terrified. However, Israel lost the battle and the ark (ch 5). God’s power was not a magical tool to be used for human victory, when their hearts were far from him.
“The glory has departed from Israel” (4:20). When Israel tried to manipulate God’s name for their own purposes, they lost the treasure of his presence. Knowing him is worth more than any worldly success or victory.






