It is suggested that you read from Leviticus 26:14–17 together with 1 Samuel 4.

• Introduction

  First Samuel 4 appears to begin in a good place. With Samuel having been called as a prophet, the Word of the Lord is available to his people once again. We expect things to go well. We expect the people to come to Samuel for advice. We are looking forward to a time of God’s favour now that direct communication has been restored.

  But before we get too excited we must remember that the problem of the ungodly priesthood still exists. Eli’s two sons Hophni and Phinehas are still in control of the happenings at the tabernacle. They are still busy abusing their authority – stealing from the people’s offerings, forcing themselves on the serving girls. Despite the two prophecies of judgment which Eli received, his sons have not been kicked out of office. They accompany the ark when it goes to the camp at Ebenezer.

  The word of the Lord has been heard but reformation has not taken place. False teachers continue to inhabit the church. They must be removed; judgment must come if God’s word is to be taken seriously. And that is what happens in 1 Samuel 4, or at least that is what begins to happen. The Lord brings about his promised judgment. A judgment on a family and a people. A judgment that testifies to God’s holiness. A judgment that will eventually result in repentance, when the people get rid of their idols and return to the Lord in 1 Samuel 7.

• The Lord will not be manipulated

  • Explain: what is the context of the battle? Who are the Philistines? Why does Israel now come to fight against them?

  • Explain: what should have happened after the first defeat? Instead of repentance, what plan is made by the elders?

  • Explain: how is the plan of the elders an attempt to manipulate God?

  • Apply: what are some of the ways in which we can try to manipulate God?

  • Explain: how does the Lord respond to Israel’s manipulation attempt? What does this reveal about God?

  • Explain: marvel at the wonder that God the Son was willing to be manipulated and defeated for the sake of God’s people.

• The Lord is holy

  • Explain: what will defeat in battle mean for Shiloh? Why is Eli more concerned about the ark than the defeat?

  • Explain: what does it mean for the glory of the Lord to have departed? Why has this happened?

  • Explain: what needs to happen for the glory of the Lord to return? What did Jesus do to secure our inheritance in the presence of God for all eternity?

  • Apply: how must we live now that we belong to God? What do we need to know and believe about God that will stop us from trying to manipulate him to our own ends?

• Prayer of response

  Heavenly Father, thank you that you sent your Son to suffer defeat and to be humiliated in our place. Thank you that Jesus perfectly obeyed your law so that we might receive the inheritance of sons. We ask Lord that you would have your way with us, that you would change us by your Spirit that we truly desire your will above our own. Please forgive us for the many ways in which we have sought to use you and manipulate you to accomplish our own purposes. Help us to realize that your plans for our lives are the best, that we can trust you to care for us. Amen.