1 Samuel 4

• Vv. 1-4 After Samuel is called by the Lord and is seen growing in influence, the Israelites go to battle against the Philistines. This was an ongoing battle since Joshua and the Israelites entered the land. The Lord had called them to go to battle that the Israelites might control the entirety of the Promised Land. But this time the Israelites lose. They resolve that God caused them to be defeated and must this time bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield.

Did God cause the Israelites to be defeated? If so, why? And if not, what is the real reason they were defeated?

• Vv. 5-11 The Israelites, with much fanfare, bring the ark to the frontlines. The Philistines are afraid because, though they do not know the God of Israel, they do know that this God caused the mighty Egyptians to be destroyed. They gather the courage to fight and end up winning. The prophecy against the sons of Eli comes to fruition with the death of Hophni and Phinehas. The Philistines take the ark and kill 30,000 men.

Even with the ark that Israelites lost. Why did the Philistines prevail?

• Vv. 12-18 Eli was anxiously waiting for the ark to return. When the news that the ark was taken from the Israelites, he fell back and died.

• Vv. 19-22 Phinehas wife gives birth due to the amount of distress that comes upon her. The child’s name is given as to call attention to the separation the people of Israel feel from God.

How does this chapter remind you of the end of the book of Judges?