1 Samuel 4:17-22
– v. 18: When Eli heard that the ark of God was captured, he fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died. He was very old and heavy and had judged Israel for forty years. Eli’s death was a sign of God’s judgment, but it is important to see that what broke his heart was the loss of God’s presence, not just the loss of his sons. For a true believer, losing God’s favor is the greatest sorrow of all (Exodus 13:13 a). The Death of Phinehas' WifeThis section tells a very sad story that shows how much pain and loss came to Eli’s family because of the capture of the ark. It focuses on Phinehas’ wife, who suffered greatly when she heard the terrible news. Her story is a reminder that sorrow can touch anyone, young or old, and that losing the presence of God is the greatest loss of all.v. 19: Phinehas’ wife was about to give birth when she heard the shocking news. She learned that her father-in-law Eli had died, her husband Phinehas was dead, and, worst of all, the ark of God had been captured. The fear and grief were so great that they caused her to go into labor suddenly. As Woe to those that are with child, or give suck, in such days as these (Matthew 24:19 b), her sorrow was so deep that even the birth of a child could not bring her comfort. Soon after giving birth, her strength failed, and she died. This shows that sorrow can be powerful and dangerous, sometimes even bringing death. In hard times, faith in God is needed to keep from losing hope (Psalm 27:13 c). v. 20: When her child was born, the women around her tried to comfort her. They said, Fear not, for thou hast borne a son. Usually, the birth of a son would bring great joy, as for joy that a man-child is born into the world (John 16:21 d). But she did not answer or care. She was too sad about what had happened to Israel. Earthly joys seemed meaningless to her because she felt close to death and was grieving the loss of God’s presence in Israel. When we lose what is most important—God’s word and blessing—other good things no longer bring happiness. v. 21: Before she died, she named her son I-chabod, which means Where is the glory? or The glory has departed. She did this to remember the disaster that had happened. She explained, The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken . This name showed her deep sadness about the loss of God’s presence, not just the loss of her family. v. 22: With her last words, she repeated, The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken (1 Samuel 4:22 e). She cared more about God’s glory and the good of all Israel than about her own pain. The biggest tragedy for God’s people is losing God’s presence. If God leaves, the glory leaves, and nothing else can make up for that loss.
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