Today’s reading opens with Israel at war with the Philistines. Israel loses 4,000 men in the battle. As Israel retreats from the enemy and regroups, they ask a question and propose a solution.
After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the LORD allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.” (1 Samuel 4:3, NLT)
Surprisingly, Israel asks why the LORD allowed their defeat by the Philistines, and their solution is shocking! Why is their question surprising? Had not God warned Israel many times in His law that if they forsook the LORD their God, their enemies would become thorns in their side, and God would deliver them up? Wasn’t the Book of Judges a cyclical pattern of forsaking God, idolatry, and subsequent servitude to their enemies, followed by a cry of desperation and deliverance by God? Have they not learned anything? Why should they be surprised? Why do they blame God for their defeat?
Shockingly, Israel’s answer and solution are more of the same—idolatry! How? Instead of seeking repentance and a restored relationship with God, they put their trust in the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD for deliverance and victory. A gold-covered box of wood is now their deliverer! Their faith is now in an object that represents God’s presence and power, not in the one whose presence they so desperately need! Wow, this is backward!
How does this work out for them? As Israel and the Philistines go at it again, notice the result.
So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died. (1 Samuel 4:10–11, ESV)
Israel loses 30,000 soldiers, and their new god, the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, is captured by the enemy! This was not supposed to happen! This is so devastating to Israel that Eli, the priest, when he hears the news, falls out of his chair and, breaking his neck, dies. The lament is that glory has departed from Israel because the Ark of God has been captured. Sadly, the lament wasn’t for God but a wooden box. Was it a wooden box that delivered Israel from Egypt? Was it a wooden box that led and fed them through the wilderness? Was it a wooden box that gave them possession of their land? No!
Here is what stood out to me this morning in the reading. There is no substitute for God, not even in things that represent God or what we may do for God! Our glory is not religiosity; it is our Redeemer and His work of redemption in our lives! How shall we not love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind? Is He not altogether lovely and worthy? Is it not He that rescued us from the pit and set our feet upon the rock? May nothing become so attractive as to come between us and our affection for the One who loves us!
Thank you for joining with me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25.
What an amazing reminder. To be mindful of who/what we are actually giving our time/worship to. Help me to always be mindful Lord! You and only you.