1 Samuel 4:1-22

4:1-11 | Israel’s disobedience here is in contrast to their later obedience and subsequent victory over the Philistines in 7:12. Ebenezer (5:1) was located near Aphek, which was northwest of Ephraim.

4:3 | The elders of Israel rightly acknowledged that their defeat was due to God’s displeasure, not the Philistines’ military might. But rather than confessing their sin and repenting, they irreverently attempted to manipulate God by using the ark of the covenant like a good-luck charm. Although the ark symbolized God’s presence, it did not guarantee His favor (Num. 10:35).

4:21-22 | Ichabod means “Where is the Glory?” The Hebrew word for departed means “to be exiled.” The birth of Phinehas’ child should have been joyous, but Israel’s sorrow overshadowed it.

4:22 | The capture of the ark signaled a problem between God and His people. Israel had fallen into apostasy and believed they could make God do their will. Even the priest and his sons were not following God’s ways.