1 Samuel Chapter 4 – Fear
In this bleak chapter, I see an overwhelming emotion – fear.
The Israelites, having been soundly defeated by the Philistines the first time, feared greatly and turned to the Ark of the Covenant, hoping that it would save them from the Philistines.
Why did they choose to bring out the Ark, rather than cry out to God for help? Perhaps they were aware of their sins, but thought that if they brought out the Ark, they would “force” God’s hand to deliver them, since God would not allow the Ark of the Covenant to be captured.
How wrong they were.
The Philistines feared greatly when they saw the ark of the covenant brought out, because they had heard the mighty works which the Lord God had done on the Egyptians. Unfortunately, while they were quite right to fear the power of the Lord, their reaction was not quite in the right direction.
Instead of fearing the Lord and turning to God (like Rahab), the Philistines instead steeled their hearts and decided to fight even more fiercely.
Thus, while both armies feared greatly in their circumstances, neither truly turned to the Lord in their fear.
Are we like this at times in our lives too?
The chapter shows us the end of one who does not turn to the Lord. In verse 13, we see Eli sitting on his seat by the wayside, watching, fearing greatly for the fate of the Ark. It is likely he knew all too well that God was not with the army of Israel, and that God’s judgment on him and his household had started. But by then, it was too late.
Let us learn from these examples and truly turn to God in the deepest of our hearts.