When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died. (1 Samuel 4:18)Today's reading details the battle of Shiloh, in which the army of Israel suffered a devastating loss, Eli's sons were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines.
One thing that amazes me about this story is Eli's response to bad news. This is how the news was broken to Israel's priest: 1) the battle was lost and Israel suffered heavy casualties; 2) your sons were killed; and 3) the ark was captured.
Give me some leeway as I imagine it just a little different:
Eli: Tell me; don't hold anything back.
Runner: Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also, your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead...
Eli: And the ark?
Runner: The ark of God has been captured.
I'm sure Eli loved his children, but it was the news about the ark that proved too much for him to handle. Upon hearing of its capture, he fell over and died... of course he could have died and fallen over.
For another perspective on this story, read: Psalm 78:56-64.
Could there be any more devastating loss than the presence of God?
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