Prepare: Are we aware of God's chastening?
Read: 1 Samuel 3:19-4:11
This passage shows how God honoured His faithful servant Samuel and punished Eli's two wicked sons.
Samuel's rise: Samuel grew in stature. As a priest, Samuel could function only at Shiloh, but as a prophet, his influence extended from Dan to Beersheba i.e., from the northermost to the southermost parts of Israel. He is thus shown as a national figure of importance and no longer an obscure person in Shiloh (1 Peter 5:6).
Israel's defeat: There is no indication in this passage to suggest that the people of Israel sought the guidance of God before launching an attack against the Philistines. They were eventually defeated by the Philistines. They thought that the physical presence of the ark of the covenant of the Lord would bring them victory. So they brought the ark from Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, came along with the ark to the battle field.
Israel had a false confidence of the presence of God among them and fought against the Philistines. Thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell on that day. The ark of God was also captured by the Philistines. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas also died in the battle. God's prophecy concerning Eli's sons came true.
God chastens the people He loves, as the father punishes his children to correct them. Are we willing to learn our lesson when God corrects us? Are we willing for God to correct our false ideas?
Respond: Lord, help us to recognize Your chastening and to learn from our mistakes.
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