1Sa 4:3 | TNotes | STEP | 4:3 The Israelites were often defeated in war because of the sin of one individual or the entire nation (Josh 7 ). In this defeat, no one inquired whether sin was the cause; apparently no one had even asked the Lord whether they should engage the Philistines in the first place (cp. 1 Chr 14:13-16 ). Instead, the Israelites treated the Ark , the most sacred symbol of the Lord’s presence, as a charm to ward off misfortune. Carrying the Ark into battle was not necessarily wrong (cp. Josh 6:2-21 ), but neither would this act ensure God’s blessing and victory.

bJosh 7►

c1 Chr 14:13-16►

dJosh 6:2-21►

‏ 1 Samuel 4:3

4:3 ^a The Israelites were often defeated in war because of the sin of one individual or the entire nation (Josh 7 ^b). In this defeat, no one inquired whether sin was the cause; apparently no one had even asked the Lord whether they should engage the Philistines in the first place (cp. 1 Chr 14:13-16 ^c). Instead, the Israelites treated the Ark, the most sacred symbol of the Lord’s presence, as a charm to ward off misfortune. Carrying the Ark into battle was not necessarily wrong (cp. Josh 6:2-21 ^d), but neither would this act ensure God’s blessing and victory.