Chapter Summary:
The elders of Israel decide they will be able to defeat the Philistines in battle if they use the Ark of the Covenant.
The Philistines subsequently defeat the Israelites and capture the Ark of the Covenant.
Eli and several of his family members die as a result of this defeat.
Lesson:
When we make assumptions based on the social status or popularity of something or someone, we often fail to consider the situation accurately.
Quote:
"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!” - (1 Samuel 4:5)
Question:
Why do you think we jump to conclusions which often end up being wrong? How can you make fewer incorrect assumptions in your life?
Visit the Google slides presentation covering the fourth chapter of 1 Samuel.
“Death of Eli” by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld, dated between 1851 and 1860 (Public Domain, source: wikimedia)