1Sa 4:3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

In chapter 4 we see a battle between the Philistines and Israel. The Israelites lost the battle against the Philistine army. The Philistines were a more experience fighting force. The Israelites could hardly stand a chance against their enemies (v.1-2).

The Israelites decided to bring the Ark of God from the Tabernacle into the camp. They thought with the Ark among them, they would win against the Philistines. They regarded the Ark as the ultimate “good luck charm”, believing that they can’t lose with it present among them. We call it superstition.

The Philistine saw the Ark and they were afraid. They said: “God is come into the camp” (v.7). They knew the power of the God of Israel. And, they fought even harder, and Israel was once again defeated. Also the Ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

What are the lessons we can learn?
From Israel’s Action:
1. Trust in God and not in religious relics. Note their words: “that it may save us from the hand of our enemies” (v.3). They were looking to the Ark to save them, not the LORD Himself. Likewise, wearing a cross on your neck will not protect you from evil or solve your problems in life. Trust God: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

2. Check Your Faith. Israel did not know why God was not with them in the battles. They wrongly thought it was because the Ark was not with them. The true reason was because of their moral corruption and a corrupt priesthood that God had left them. Likewise, we care commanded to examine ourselves whether we are still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Many do not know they have moved away from God because of their sins (Isaiah 59:2). Instead, they blame God.

From the Philistines’ Action:
1. Knowledge without faith. The Philistines knew quite a lot about the God of Israel and the things He had done for Israel. But their knowledge and fear did not cause them to serve Jehovah God. It is the same with many today – they know the Bible and about Jesus. But they still would not believe. It happens to Christians too. Many know the Bible very well. But their knowledge does not translate to greater faith in God: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

2. Rise Above Your Fear. The Philistines were fearful. But they didn’t run away. Hear what they said: “Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; be men and fight” (v.9, ESV). They were determined to win and so they fought even harder. It is a wonderful lesson for us: Never Say Die! Paul gave the same exhortation: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

3. Words Are Powerful. The Philistines’ words motivated them to fight. Indeed, words can either destroy or save. We are constantly reminded to say the right word. How often we sin with our tongues. I’m guilty of it too. Solomon says: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Let’s watch our words.

Our trust should be in God. A mind full of the knowledge of the Bible is useless if it does not translate into faith in God. Faith will help us overcome all fear. And, along the way, we need to take care of one another. We need to speak goodly words that will edify one another: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).