1 Samuel 4 – DEFEAT!
There was war with the Philistines. Things were not right Spiritually in Israel. God was not blessing His people. 1 Samuel 2:22-36, 3:11-14
FALSE HOPE – Vss. 1-5
Israel was being defeated. It was concluded that if the “Ark of the Covenant”, God’s presence, was brought into the battle, there would be victory. This was presumption. God was not going to bless when there was sin in the camp (See Joshua 7).
FORTIFIED EFFORT – Vss. 6-9
The Philistines were scared at first, but then increased their courage and their effort. Because God was not pleased with Israel, the Philistines prevailed.
FAILED PLANS – Vss. 10-11
30,000 soldiers lost their lives.
The Ark of the Covenant was captured.
Hophni and Phineas, Eli’s sons, were killed.
FATAL (FUTILE) REACTIONS – Vss. 12-22
Eli – Vss. 12-18 – His reaction led to his “accidental” death.
Phineas’ Wife – Vss. 19-22 – She went into labor, had the child, but died herself.