1. The Philistines capture the ark (1-11)

The war with Philistia was going against Israel. After one bitter defeat, the elders of Israel decided to bring the ark of the Lord to the battle. They did not pray or seek God's help. They made the ark an object of superstition. When the Philistines first heard that the ark had been brought into the camp of Israel, they were terrified. They had heard of how the God of Israel had struck Egypt. But they decided to do their best and fight Israel with all their strength. They did and they won. Courage and spirit defeat superstition.

2. The glory has departed from Israel (12-22)

The ark was captured; the two sons of Eli were killed. When a messenger bearing these tidings told Eli, he fell over backward and died. His daughter-in-law gave birth to a son. This baby boy could have represented new hope, but she despaired--and named him, 'The glory has departed from Israel.' God has no glory if his people have no faith.

Application: Lord, help me to live by faith, not by superstition. Let not your glory depart from us.
One Word: Have faith--not superstition