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.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Reflect on how you can more
fully value God’s presence, without having to lose it to learn your lesson.
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