The Israelites were in a battle against the Philistines. When they were losing greatly to the Philistine force, the elders of Israel decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield. They wanted the presence of God on their battlefield to lead them to victory. However, instead of trusting in God’s promise and humbly praying for him to be with them (Joshua 1:9), they tried to force God to give them what they wanted by bringing the ark. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the Ark (4).

However, the presence of the ark brought the opposite effect from their expectations. The Philistines were fearful, and fear drove them to fight much harder. The Israelites experienced a great defeat. Thirty thousand soldiers died, and the ark was captured by the Philistines. Eli’s sons died there as God had told Eli (10,11).

Eli himself also died upon hearing the news. Phinehas’s wife delivered a son, yet she could not be comforted knowing that Israel lost the Glory (22). Proud and foolish men want to get their own way. Yet God resists the proud while showing his grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Application: Father, you are sovereign and almighty. I humbly ask you to be with me and guide me to do your will to glorify your name. Help me to hold to your grace and promise as I seek your will.
One Word: Ask for God’s mercy.