Scripture

When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!

Observation

Israel is at war with the Philistines. The two armies meet near Ebenezer. The Philistines kill 4000 men. The Israelite army decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, believing it will save them from the enemy.

The Ark arrives, and with it, Hophini and Phineas, Eli’s sons. The shouts of joy as so loud that the ground shakes.

The discovery that the Ark is in the Israelite camp provoke the Philistines to fight even harder. This time they kill 30,000 man and capture the Ark. Eli’s sons also die in the battle.

When Eli hears the news that the Ark has been captured, he falls from his chair and breaks his neck.

Application

The Ark of the Covenant was a powerful symbol because God was enthroned between the cherubim on top of it.

It seems that the Israelite army put their trust in the Ark rather than in the Lord himself. This is a constant danger. We have the capacity to make idols out of almost anything. The worldly traps are obvious – gold, glory, and guys or girls.

But we can make idols at of religious symbols also

* the Bible that makes us feel safe

* the only true translation of the Bible

* the church that thinks adopting a Hillsong style will save them

* the pews that may never be moved

When we put our trust in anything other than God, we are worshipping idols. That is very dangerous Territory indeed.

Prayer

Father, please help me to see the idols that stop me from worshipping you. Grant me a heart for pure worship. Amen.