Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of 1 Samuel 4
by Max Frazier, Jr.

Now for some thoughts from 1 Samuel, as we continue our study of
this amazing book on leadership. Our focus will be upon chapter 4.

I. Defeat by the Philistines (vs. 1-11)

II. Death of Eli (vs. 12-18)

III. Birth of Ichabod (vs. 19-22)

In verse 3, the elders of Israel asked the right question following Israel's defeat to the Philistines. It was the same question Joshua asked after his army was defeated at Ai. Why? When problems arise, it is always prudent to ponder why God is doing what He is doing. But these leaders did not even take time to allow God to answer. Instead they devised their own strategy that led to disaster and defeat (see next paragraph). The plans of men, absent the approval of God, always lead to defeat. How much wiser would it have been for these elders to have consulted God through Samuel. Yes, it is good to ask "why?", but let's give God the chance to answer.

Beware of enclosing God in a box. The people of Israel thought that God lived in the ark of the covenant. And they knew that God could not ever be defeated. So, when the battle went badly for them, they needed God's assistance. So the ark was brought to the battlefront because the ark was where God lived. But God was not in the ark. In fact, God was not even with the army because of the presence of sin in the nation. Too often we make the same mistake. We assume that God is present in an artifact or special medallion we wear. It is almost as if God becomes a lucky charm. But as Israel soon experienced, God was not present in some artifact. He was resident within the heart. Because of that we need to be very conscious of sin. Then we shall be victorious.

1Samuel 3 Return to the Table of Contents 1Samuel 5-6