April 9

1 Samuel 4-8 (biblegateway.com)

Trust, Repentance, and God’s Sovereignty

In these chapters, we witness a nation at a spiritual crossroads. Israel suffers a devastating defeat, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, and the priestly leadership is weighed and found wanting. Yet in the midst of loss and judgment, God is not silent. Through the rise of Samuel and the people’s plea for a king, we see both the consequences of disobedience and the faithful hand of God at work behind the scenes.

1 Samuel 4 opens with a brief but important note. “The word of Samuel came to all Israel” (v. 1a), signaling his growing authority and recognition as a prophet. The narrative then shifts abruptly to a military conflict, as Israel engages in battle with the Philistines. Historically, the Philistines were part of the “Sea Peoples” mentioned in Egyptian records from the era of Rameses III. By the time of the judges, they had established themselves along the southern coastal plains of Canaan, forming a confederation of five major cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza. Known for their aggressive attempts to expand inland, the Philistines frequently clashed with Israel during the period of the judges and into the early monarchy.

Israel was attacked by the Philistines at Aphek, a site about 25 miles west of Shiloh. The Philistines defeated them, killing about 4,000 men (v. 1b-2). Confused by their loss, the elders of Israel decide to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield, wrongly assuming its presence would guarantee victory (v. 3). Hophni and Phinehas, the corrupt sons of Eli, accompany the Ark (v. 4), and when the Ark arrives, the Israelite camp erupts with a great shout, so loud that the earth shakes (v. 5).

The Philistines hear the noise and, upon learning that the Ark has entered the camp, they are terrified, remembering the stories of the Lord’s power in Egypt (v. 6-8). Despite their fear, they resolve to fight like men and not become Israel’s slaves (v. 9). In the ensuing battle, the Philistines rout the Israelites, killing 30,000 foot soldiers. The Ark is captured, and both Hophni and Phinehas die (v. 10-11).

The Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments given to Moses, was to remain in the Most Holy Place—a sacred inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle that only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. However, Hophni and Phinehas violated this sacred space by unlawfully entering and removing the Ark. While the Israelites rightly recognized the Ark’s significance as a symbol of God’s holiness, they mistakenly believed the physical object, the ornate box itself, held power. They began treating it like a lucky charm, expecting it to ensure victory against their enemies. But a symbol of God is not the same as God Himself. Their misplaced trust in the object, rather than in the Lord, bordered dangerously on idolatry.

A Benjamite runs from the battle to Shiloh, where Eli, now ninety-eight years old and blind, sits anxiously by the gate. When he hears the news, he falls backward, breaks his neck, and dies, having judged Israel for forty years (v. 12-18). Shortly thereafter, his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, died as she gave birth to a son whom she named, appropriately enough, Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” referring to the Ark being taken (v. 19-22). Since the presence of the Ark represented the presence of God in Israel, its capture suggested that not only was the Ark gone but God Himself and all His glory were now in enemy hands.

1 Samuel 4 reveals a sobering truth about the dangers of empty religion and misplaced trust. First, the deaths of Eli’s sons are part of God’s judgment against their corruption, as foretold in chapter 2. Eli’s own death upon hearing the news further illustrates God’s intolerance of spiritual abuse and hypocrisy in leadership. Second, the Israelites, having suffered a defeat by the Philistines, decide to bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle, assuming its presence will guarantee their success. This reflects a theological misunderstanding. They treat the Ark like a lucky charm, trusting in a symbol of God rather than in God Himself. This reminds us that God’s power cannot be manipulated.

This also teaches us that God’s glory does not rest on outward forms of religion but on inward devotion and obedience. He will not be used or taken for granted. This calls for honest application in our lives. We must ask ourselves whether we are relying on religious routines, experiences, or traditions instead of cultivating a living, surrendered relationship with God. Public displays of spirituality mean little if our hearts are distant or defiant. As a personal challenge, we are called to examine our trust. Have we turned God into a mere accessory, or is He truly the Lord of our lives? We must repent of spiritual complacency, reject superficial worship, and seek God’s presence with genuine humility, so that His glory may rest upon us again.

In 1 Samuel 5, the narrative shifts to the aftermath of the Ark’s capture by the Philistines. The Philistines, feeling victorious, bring the Ark into the temple of their god, Dagon, in the city of Ashdod (v. 1).

Dagon was the chief god of the Philistines, long thought to be associated with the Hebrew word for “fish” (dag), but now more likely connected to the word dagan, meaning grain, suggesting that Dagon was an agricultural or fertility deity. He headed the Philistine pantheon, which also included deities like Ashtoreth and Baal-zebul. As a fertility god, Dagon was believed to provide rain and ensure abundant harvests, making him central to Philistine religious life. In the ancient Near East, it was common for a victorious nation to seize the idols of a defeated people and place them in their own temples to symbolize superiority. Although the Ark of the Covenant was not an idol, the Philistines treated it like one after capturing it, placing it in the temple of Dagon as a supposed act of triumph over Israel’s God.

However, God makes His presence known immediately, as the idol of Dagon is found the next morning lying face down before the Ark, as if bowing to it (v. 3). The Philistines set Dagon back in his place, but the next morning, they discover that Dagon has not only fallen again but his head and hands have been broken off (v. 4). This dramatic display shows that God is not simply one deity among many but that He alone is sovereign over all powers, both human and divine. It is a powerful statement that no idol, no matter how revered, can stand in the presence of the one true God.

As if to underscore God’s supremacy, the Philistines suffer a devastating affliction as tumors break out among the people of Ashdod (v. 6). The Philistines were governed by five rulers, or lords. Each lord lived in a different city: Gath, Ekron, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Gaza. The Ark was moved to three of these capital cities, and each time it brought great trouble and chaos to the citizens. God’s judgment continued as the affliction spread through each city, and many people died (v. 7-12). Ultimately, the Philistines recognize the destructive power of the God of Israel and begin to fear His judgment. They conclude that the Ark must be sent away to avoid further devastation.

1 Samuel 5 reveals that God is supreme over all idols and that no false god can rival His power. The fall of Dagon, broken and powerless before the Ark, demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all earthly and heavenly authorities. Furthermore, the plagues sent upon the Philistines show that God does not share His glory with anyone or anything. This chapter emphasizes the truth that God is a jealous God who will not tolerate the worship of idols. The Philistines, in their moment of crisis, are forced to confront the reality of God’s overwhelming power and the consequences of dishonoring Him.

We are similarly called to examine the idols in our own lives. In a culture that often elevates materialism, status, and comfort, we must recognize that these things can become our modern-day “Dagon.” God is not content to share His glory with anything or anyone else. We should ask ourselves whether there are areas in our lives where we are allowing idols, whether success, relationships, or possessions, to take precedence over our devotion to Him.

In 1 Samuel 6, the narrative picks up with the Philistines’ decision to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after suffering severe affliction as a result of its presence among them. As per their usual superstitious practices, the Philistines consult their priests and diviners for guidance on how to return the Ark. The priests instruct them to send the Ark back with a guilt offering consisting of five golden tumors and five golden rats, representing the plagues that had struck their five cities. These gifts acknowledged the power of Israel’s God and served as an attempt to appease Him (v. 1-5).

To confirm whether the Lord was truly the cause of their suffering, they placed the Ark on a new cart pulled by two cows that had never been yoked and were still nursing calves (v. 7). For a cow to leave her nursing calf, she would have to go against all her motherly instincts. Only God, who has power over the natural order, could cause this to happen. If the cows went straight to Israelite territory, it would be undeniable evidence that their afflictions came from the hand of Israel’s God. But if the cows wandered aimlessly, the Philistines could conclude that their troubles were merely coincidental (v. 8-9).

Incidentally, the Philistines recognized the existence of Israel’s God, but only as one among many deities whose favor they hoped to secure. This pluralistic mindset allowed them to dismiss the Ark’s exclusive call to worship and obedience. In a similar way, many people today treat God as just one component of a well-balanced, successful life, something to include alongside career, relationships, and personal goals. But God is not merely a helpful addition; He is the very source and center of life.

The cows released by the Philistines, led by Ark’s hand, take the Ark straight to the Israelite town of Beth Shemesh, without turning aside (v. 10-12). Beth Shemesh, a border town about 15 miles west of Jerusalem, became the Ark’s new temporary resting place. The people of Beth Shemesh are overjoyed at the sight of the Ark’s return and celebrate by offering the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord (v. 13). However, the joy of the people quickly turns to judgment when they violate God’s clear commands.

The people make a tragic mistake by looking into the Ark, which was forbidden by God. Although Scripture doesn’t specify their exact motive, they likely opened it to confirm the presence of Ark stone tablets of the Law. Regardless of their intentions, this was a serious offense. According to the Law, only the Levites could handle the Ark, and even they were not permitted to touch or look into it. This disobedience led to severe consequences and seventy people (or possibly 50,070, depending on the manuscript tradition) were struck down (v. 19). Overwhelmed by fear, the people cry out, “Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?” and request that the Ark be moved to another location (v. 20-21).

This sobering event emphasizes that God holds His people accountable, not just the surrounding nations. Reverence and obedience are required of all who claim to belong to Him. As a result of this tragic incident, the ark was moved to Kiriath Jearim, about ten miles northwest of Jerusalem (v. 21).

1 Samuel 6 emphasizes the holiness of God. Even though the Ark was returned to Israel, the people’s careless treatment of it resulted in judgment. This highlights that God cannot be approached casually or irreverently. God’s holiness demands respect and careful obedience. The fact that the Ark was returned through a miraculous sign, the cows leading it to Beth Shemesh, demonstrates that God’s sovereignty remains even over the Philistines, who had been acting in rebellion.

The chapter teaches us that our worship and reverence for God must not be superficial or careless. While the people of Beth Shemesh celebrated the return of the Ark, their failure to treat it with the proper reverence resulted in tragedy. It is a reminder that we should approach God with awe and respect, recognizing His holiness in all aspects of our worship. Our modern-day practices of worship, whether through singing, prayer, or the reading of Scripture, should reflect an understanding of God’s majesty and purity.

Are we too casual in our worship? Are there areas in our lives where we may be taking God’s presence for granted, failing to honor His holiness as we should? We must recognize that God is not a mere accessory to our lives but the sovereign Creator who deserves our utmost respect. Let us reflect on the reverence with which we approach God in our personal and communal worship and ensure that we are honoring His holiness in every aspect of our lives. If we have treated Him casually, let us repent and restore the reverence and awe due to His name.

1 Samuel 7 begins with the Ark being returned to the Israelites and placed in the town of Kiriath Jearim, where it remains for twenty years (v. 1-2). During this time, the people of Israel, deeply affected by their previous defeat and their spiritual distance from God, begin to lament and seek the Lord. This longing for God’s presence sets the stage for the revival that follows.

The prophet Samuel calls the people to a radical spiritual reformation. He urges them to put away their foreign gods, the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord (v. 3). This is a call for genuine repentance, a turning away from idolatry and sin and a return to exclusive worship of the one true God. The people respond in obedience, removing their idols and gathering at Mizpah to seek God through fasting, prayer, and confession (v. 4-6). This is a moment of spiritual renewal, where Israel collectively humbles itself before God and acknowledges its need for His mercy and intervention.

As the Israelites gather at Mizpah, the Philistines, noticing their unity and repentance, perceive an opportunity for attack. They move to strike Israel, but the people, now fully dependent on God, cry out to Samuel for help (v. 7). Samuel responds by offering a lamb as a burnt offering, praying to God for Israel’s deliverance (v. 8-9). The Lord, in a mighty demonstration of power (by thunder), throws the Philistines into confusion, causing them to flee before the Israelites (v. 10). The victory is a direct result of God’s intervention, and the people recognize that their deliverance is due entirely to His power and grace.

In gratitude for God’s faithfulness, Samuel sets up a stone at Mizpah, naming it “Ebenezer,” meaning “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (v. 12). This is a different site than that mentioned in chapters 4 and 5. This memorial stone serves as a reminder of God’s deliverance and faithfulness in times of crisis. The chapter concludes with Israel at peace as Samuel continues to serve as Israel’s judge, traveling from town to town to lead the people in righteousness. Samuel travels a yearly circuit to perform his judgeship duties. His home is Ramah, and from there he travels to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah (v. 13-17).

In conclusion, the Israelites’ return to the Lord, marked by their repentance and removal of idols, teaching us that spiritual renewal requires true repentance and a turning of the heart back to God. When we humbly confess our sins and seek His face, God responds with mercy and restoration. Just as the Israelites needed to rid themselves of idols, we too must examine our own lives and ask if there are distractions that pull our devotion away from God.

The Israelites’ cry for help, coupled with Samuel’s intercession, shows that God hears the prayers of His people when they sincerely seek His help. This demonstrates that God delights in responding to prayers of faith and desperation, especially when we acknowledge our complete dependence on Him. In times of challenge, do we turn to God in prayer first, or do we rely on our own strength? Like the Israelites, we must recognize our need for God’s intervention and trust that He will respond with mercy and grace.

The Ebenezer stone serves as a reminder of God’s past faithfulness and continued presence with His people. Just as Samuel set up this stone to mark God’s victory over the Philistines, we too should establish reminders of God’s faithfulness in our own lives. These markers can strengthen our faith and assure us that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to guide and sustain us. When facing future struggles, we can draw encouragement from these reminders, trusting that God’s power, not our own strength, is the source of our victory.

Samuel served Israel faithfully, delivering them from the Philistines and guiding them back to God. After the battle of Ebenezer, about 1084 B.C., the nation of Israel was content to follow Samuel’s leadership for the next 30 years or so. However, upon his retirement, the people rejected the idea of another judge and instead demanded a king, desiring to be like the surrounding nations.

In 1 Samuel 8, Samuel, as an old man, appoints his sons, Joel and Abijah, to be judges over Israel in his place. But they turn out to be corrupt, much like Eli’s sons (v. 1-3). This failure in leadership prompts the elders of Israel to approach Samuel at Ramah, asking for a king to govern them like all the nations (v. 4-5). This request signals a desire to be like the surrounding nations, who were ruled by kings, rather than continuing the system of theocracy where God was their King.

Samuel is displeased by their request, and he turns to God in prayer (v. 6). God responds by telling Samuel that the people have not rejected Samuel as their leader but have rejected God as their King (v. 7). Despite this, God instructs Samuel to give the people what they want, but he must warn them about the consequences of having an earthly king. Samuel delivers God’s message, explaining the harsh realities of having a king. The king will draft their sons for military service, take their daughters for service in the palace, seize their fields and vineyards, and impose heavy taxes (v. 10-18). The people, however, persist in their demand, saying, “No! We want a king over us,” believing that having a king will make them like other nations and give them security (v. 19-20).

God tells Samuel to comply with their request and appoint a king for them (v. 21-22). This chapter ends with the people’s request granted, setting the stage for the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel in the following chapters.

1 Samuel 8 is a significant chapter that reveals the human tendency to reject God’s sovereignty and seek worldly solutions for our problems. It challenges us to examine where our trust lies and reminds us of the importance of following God’s leadership rather than conforming to the ways of the world.

As the dust settles in 1 Samuel 4–8, we’re left with both a warning and an invitation. Israel’s desire for a king revealed their misplaced trust in human strength over God’s sovereign rule. Yet God, in His mercy, allowed it and continued to work through their choices. Like Israel, we often want control or visible security, but God calls us to trust Him fully. The question remains. Will we listen to His voice, respond with repentance, and walk in obedience? These chapters remind us that God is still our true King, always just, always faithful, and always near to those who seek Him with a humble heart.