1 Samuel 4

CHAPTER 4THEME: God’s judgment on Eli and his sons fulfilledIsrael, without consulting Samuel, went out to battle against the Philistines, which led to defeat. Then they brought the ark of the covenant into battle, thinking its presence would bring victory. This reveals the superstitious paganism of the people who thought there was some merit in an object. The ark was captured, the two sons of Eli were slain, and Eli died upon hearing the news.

1 Samuel 4:1

THE ARK IS CAPTURED BY THE PHILISTINESThis chapter is a dark picture indeed. We see the spiritual condition of Israel at this particular time. God is going to bring to a conclusion the thing He said He would do to the house of Eli. This section of Scripture gives us a revelation of Israel’s superstition and just how far they are from God. It shows us how strong their self-sufficiency and selfishness are. With no thought of seeking God’s direction, they go out to battle against the Philistines. What happens? They are defeated. What is lacking?

They think perhaps they should have taken the ark with them into battle. Knowing the history of the arkthat as it had been carried down into the Jordan River, the water had been cut off so that Israel could cross overthey took the ark of the covenant into battle. The thought was that its presence would bring victory. My friend, this reveals the superstition and paganism of these people who thought there was some merit in the object. The merit was not in that box because God was not in that box. You cannot get God into a box!

The merit was in the presence and person of God. In church work today many people are equally as superstitious. They think that God, as it were, is in a box. They say, “Look at this method. It is a nice little package deal. It is success in a box. This method will solve our problem.” So many people are moving in that direction today. My friend, that is not being spiritual. That is being superstitious. The merit is in Christ. Success is determined by whether or not we are with Him. That is all important.

1 Samuel 4:4

Israel is going into battle. They send to Shiloh for the ark of the covenant. Because Hophni and Phinehas are “paid preachers,” they are going to do what they are told to do. When the ark is brought into the camp, the Israelites have a great rally. They think they are getting somewhere spiritually, but this is nothing in the world but idolatry. They are worshiping a boxnot God. Let us be careful in the ceremonies and rituals of our church. Are we worshiping a church? Are we worshiping a man? Are we worshiping a method? Are we worshiping a particular place? Or are we really worshiping the living and true God today?

1 Samuel 4:6

The Philistines understand that the ark of the covenant has come into the camp of the Israelites. They are afraid for they say, “God is come into the camp.” To them the ark is an idol. This shows that the Philistines are both superstitious and ignorant. Although they have heard of His power, they are certainly ignorant of the living and true God.

1 Samuel 4:12

ELI DIES AND THE GLORY OF GOD DEPARTS FROM ISRAELThe Philistines and the Israelites fight, and Israel loses the battle. There is a great slaughter of the Israelites, the ark of God is captured, and Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are slain. Old Eli, with all his faults, was God’s high priest, and he had a real concern for the things of God.

1 Samuel 4:14

When news of Israel’s terrible defeat reached the city, a great wail arose. Eli, old and blind, asks the reason for it.

1 Samuel 4:17

This man maintains his composure when he is told about the death of his sons, but when he learns that the ark of God has been captured, he falls backward and dies. He was a big fat fellow. Perhaps he suffered a heart attack. Although he was a weak, indulgent father, I believe he was God’s man. Eli’s death brings Samuel into the position of being God’s spokesman.