1Sa 4:3 | MHM | STEP | v. 3–4 : Instead of repenting or seeking God in prayer, the elders brought the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, thinking it would guarantee victory. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt, came with the ark. The people showed respect for the ark but not for God Himself. They made the mistake of treating the ark like a magic object, expecting it to save them without true faith or obedience (Deuteronomy 12:5,11 ).

‏ 1 Samuel 4:3

v. 3–4: Instead of repenting or seeking God in prayer, the elders brought the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, thinking it would guarantee victory. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt, came with the ark. The people showed respect for the ark but not for God Himself. They made the mistake of treating the ark like a magic object, expecting it to save them without true faith or obedience (Deuteronomy 12:5,11 ^a).