FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL CHAPTER  4  - 7

Continued

CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4 is seen as an ‘insertion’ in the First Book of Samuel. We know this because there is almost no mention of Samuel in this chapter. Chapter 4 – 7 serves many purposes. Historically it chronologies the movement of the Hebrew People from being under the power and fear of the Philistines to become an independent free People. This chapter tells this historical story. These chapters also contain the fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas. Because of their sins and unfaithfulness they were to die and their lineage of being Jewish priests would end. Finally these chapters spiritually tell the message of the singular power of God. He alone is superior over the Philistines and their false gods. He, even without human help can triumph. And yet in the chapters that follow chapter 7 they will continue to cry out for a King like other nations.

Verse 1

The first battle.  The People of Israel are living at Ebenezar. This is another clue that this chapter is an insertion in that Samuel does not name this place until chapter 7 verse 12. Ebenezar or Eb means ‘rock’ while Aphek, the place where the Philistines are, is translated as ‘fortress’. Thus right away we see the balance of power. The People of Israel begin among the rocks while the powerful Philistines are in a fortress.

Who are the Philistines ? Although some Philistines have always lived in the region most migrated there in 1,200 B.C. some 100 years before this story. We saw them in Judges 13 -16 when Samson defeated them. They were originally from Greece via Crete. They were tied to the sea and were fierce, smart and powerful people. They would be Israel’s primary enemy lying just west of them.

Verse 2

The Battle. It is important to note that the People of Israel did not first go to Shiloh to seek the guidance of God at the place of the Ark of the Covenant. Although Eli was not the strongest or most faithful Judge and his sons even more corrupt the spirit of God was still with Eli and he still was the Judge. They did not visit the Ark of the Covenant but instead went right into battle. As a mob gathering their own strength they ran into battle and on that day 4,000 were killed ( remember this number for a later chapter ).

Verse 4

In preparation for the second battle the People of Israel go to Shiloh to get the Ark of the Covenant. And yet it is clear that they wish to use the Ark as a talisman or good luck charm in battle. We know this because they touched the Ark which was against the law to do; they moved the Ark from the Tabernacle which was also illegal and immoral to do; they did not really ‘seek’ God’s guidance in prayer or discernment; and finally who would be the ones to lead the Ark with the People – the sinful and corrupt sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas.  And yet still the People of Israel had confidence in the carrying of the Ark into battle even as a ‘good luck charm’.

Verse 5

The Hebrew People are so confident in themselves that they shout out – just as they did when they captured Jericho years beforehand.

Verse 6

The Philistines are now fearful . They knew of the works of God. The exodus experience of the People of Israel appears to be well known. With one voice the Philistines gather their strength.

Verse 7 – 11

The second battle. Israel once again loses and now 40,000 are killed. This is ten times greater than the first battle. It teaches them that they must seek God and His guidance. When one continues to fail to do so the loses can become greater and greater. When one becomes more and more foolish and more and more self reliant disaster can indeed increase.  They also lose the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines.  Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas also die. The prophecy against them is now fulfilled.

Verse 13 – 18  

We see Eli being anxious about the battle. To his credit he was more concerned with the Ark than even his two sons. Eli had done wrong is allowing the Ark to be used as a good luck charm. When he hears of the lose of the Ark and the death of his sons Eli falls back and dies. The prophecy is now complete – they die and their lineage within the Jewish priesthood is lost.

Verse 13 and forward

It is sad that the People of Israel do not here repent. While they mourn the loss of the Ark and the loss of the battle there is no sense of repentance. They do not turn to God to beg for mercy and nor plead for forgiveness. There are no ashes or sackcloth.

Verse  19 - 22

The People of Israel feel that with the loss of the Ark God is no longer with them. This is modelled in the actions of Phinehas’ wife who gives birth but knows it is to no avail. She and the People proclaim that all is lost, the glory of God has now left them . They forget that God promised never to leave them. True the Ark was gone but God was not. This was His promise.

God has a way of taking care of things and people that are His own. He will take care of the Ark and He will take care of His People. He will do this in HIS WAY. He does not need soldiers and battles. He will do it in His way and in the end the enemies will beg for the People of Israel to take back the Ark of the Covenant. Without a single shot being fired !

QUESTIONS

1. The People of Israel rush into battle. They do not seek God’s guidance. Like a mob they rush into battle without thinking. Why did they do this ? Have you ever rushed into battle without thinking, without first seeking God’s guidance ? How can you stop yourself when you get this urge ?
2. God will teach the People to trust. That He will triumph in His own way. The People feel lost as they lost the Ark. Why did they feel this way ? Are you lost or know someone who is likewise ‘lost’ ? How can you trust that God will return them ? Have you seen one who has been ‘ lost ‘ but by the power of God ‘ returned ‘ back to Him and to you ? Offer a prayer of petition and a prayer of thanks.