1Sa 4:3-5 | KingComments | STEP | When the people have returned to the camp, the elders wonder why the LORD has made them suffer the defeat. The question is a pious expression, but without any working of conscience. They are not waiting for an answer, but they themselves give the answer. Therefore, this answer is not from the LORD, but comes from their own heart. They accept that the defeat is from the LORD, possibly because they realize that He did not go with them. A fair conclusion but followed by a wrong reaction. The effect of the defeat should have been general humiliation (cf. ). Then they would have known that it is by their sin, their unfaithfulness to the LORD. However, they resort to a foolish act. Now they want to force the LORD to go with them. They want to take the ark with them, that it may deliver them. The leaders have some knowledge. However, a little knowledge is life-threatening if you imagine that you know everything. They remember that the ark was once with them and then gave them the victory. That was when they were at Jericho and the walls fell ( ). Only they forget that the walls of Jericho fell “by faith” ( ). Here faith is lacking. It is an act of superstition that the ark wants to use as a mascot. God has not given any command to do so. What they want, borders on magic. The same happens in professing Christianity with institutions such as baptism and supper. These symbols, when used independently of faith, are attributed a magical effect in their mere use. As soon as external customs are separated from a living relationship with God and Christ, they become idolatry. In this way, the cross becomes a sign of victory, while it means defamation. Prayer and Bible reading can also become inanimate habits, as well as visiting a Christian meeting. This happens when these things happen from a thought that God will be happy with these things and not from an inner desire to have fellowship with Him. There can only be fellowship with Him if the whole life is subjected to His will. Otherwise it is like the fetching of the ark of the covenant, while the heart is not directed toward the God of the covenant. God’s presence is only where there is obedience to His Word. Therefore, Moses was able to count on God’s presence when he let the ark go ahead ( ; cf. ). Perhaps Hophni and Phinehas remembered that event when they let the ark come. It is easy for man’s corrupt heart to invoke examples from Scripture to justify wrong practices. Therefore, these examples are then taken out of their context. Once the ark has arrived in the land, there is no indication that it can be removed from its resting place when certain events happen. All the time the people must go to the ark as the place of God’s presence ( ). Never may they pick up the ark to come to them. It is customary for all peoples of the earth to take their gods and sacred materials with them in battle. This is what the Persians, Romans and Greeks do, for example. In our modern age we find remnants of this ancient superstition in the consecration and blessing of crosses and the sanctification of national colors and flags. The ark is taken to be used in battle. At that moment, the Holy Spirit gives a detailed description of the ark. The ark is “the ark of the covenant of the LORD”. This indicates the connection between God and His people. It is also “the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts” (cf. ). That is His Name as the Prince of His hosts. Finally, it is mentioned that He “sits [above] the cherubim”, indicating that He rules in righteousness. According to God’s thoughts this is all connected to the ark. For faith, the ark is the glory and honor of Israel ( ). However, there is no faith with the people and even less with the two sons of Eli who are with the ark. The connection of the ark with the two wicked sons of Eli is a connection that God cannot accept. It is not the priests who let the ark be taken, but the people who send to take the ark. The people rule and do what is good in their own eyes. The whole people shout, but it is a hollow, vain shouting without any real reason. That much they have been misled. Their shouting proves their religious error. Seeing a symbol enraptures them while they deny its truth. Shouting is always easier than fighting. It is easier in mass meetings to become enthusiastic under the influence of the mass than in daily life to live devoted to the Lord. A high degree of religious excitement is no proof of God’s favor and blessing.

‏ 1 Samuel 4:3-5

The Ark Is Taken Into the Camp

When the people have returned to the camp, the elders wonder why the LORD has made them suffer the defeat. The question is a pious expression, but without any working of conscience. They are not waiting for an answer, but they themselves give the answer. Therefore, this answer is not from the LORD, but comes from their own heart. They accept that the defeat is from the LORD, possibly because they realize that He did not go with them. A fair conclusion but followed by a wrong reaction.

The effect of the defeat should have been general humiliation (cf. Jos 7:5-8). Then they would have known that it is by their sin, their unfaithfulness to the LORD. However, they resort to a foolish act. Now they want to force the LORD to go with them. They want to take the ark with them, that it may deliver them.

The leaders have some knowledge. However, a little knowledge is life-threatening if you imagine that you know everything. They remember that the ark was once with them and then gave them the victory. That was when they were at Jericho and the walls fell (Jos 6:3-20). Only they forget that the walls of Jericho fell “by faith” (Heb 11:30). Here faith is lacking. It is an act of superstition that the ark wants to use as a mascot. God has not given any command to do so. What they want, borders on magic.

The same happens in professing Christianity with institutions such as baptism and supper. These symbols, when used independently of faith, are attributed a magical effect in their mere use. As soon as external customs are separated from a living relationship with God and Christ, they become idolatry. In this way, the cross becomes a sign of victory, while it means defamation.

Prayer and Bible reading can also become inanimate habits, as well as visiting a Christian meeting. This happens when these things happen from a thought that God will be happy with these things and not from an inner desire to have fellowship with Him. There can only be fellowship with Him if the whole life is subjected to His will. Otherwise it is like the fetching of the ark of the covenant, while the heart is not directed toward the God of the covenant.

God’s presence is only where there is obedience to His Word. Therefore, Moses was able to count on God’s presence when he let the ark go ahead (Num 10:35-36; cf. Jos 3:10-11). Perhaps Hophni and Phinehas remembered that event when they let the ark come.

It is easy for man’s corrupt heart to invoke examples from Scripture to justify wrong practices. Therefore, these examples are then taken out of their context. Once the ark has arrived in the land, there is no indication that it can be removed from its resting place when certain events happen. All the time the people must go to the ark as the place of God’s presence (Deu 12:5-14). Never may they pick up the ark to come to them.

It is customary for all peoples of the earth to take their gods and sacred materials with them in battle. This is what the Persians, Romans and Greeks do, for example. In our modern age we find remnants of this ancient superstition in the consecration and blessing of crosses and the sanctification of national colors and flags.

The ark is taken to be used in battle. At that moment, the Holy Spirit gives a detailed description of the ark. The ark is “the ark of the covenant of the LORD”. This indicates the connection between God and His people. It is also “the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts” (cf. 1Sam 1:3). That is His Name as the Prince of His hosts. Finally, it is mentioned that He “sits [above] the cherubim”, indicating that He rules in righteousness.

According to God’s thoughts this is all connected to the ark. For faith, the ark is the glory and honor of Israel (1Sam 4:22). However, there is no faith with the people and even less with the two sons of Eli who are with the ark. The connection of the ark with the two wicked sons of Eli is a connection that God cannot accept.

It is not the priests who let the ark be taken, but the people who send to take the ark. The people rule and do what is good in their own eyes. The whole people shout, but it is a hollow, vain shouting without any real reason. That much they have been misled. Their shouting proves their religious error. Seeing a symbol enraptures them while they deny its truth. Shouting is always easier than fighting. It is easier in mass meetings to become enthusiastic under the influence of the mass than in daily life to live devoted to the Lord. A high degree of religious excitement is no proof of God’s favor and blessing.