Some passages in the Scripture make me shudder. The Israelites fought
with the Philistines and were defeated; losing 4,000 men. When they returned to
camp, the elders asked, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the
Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to
us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” 1
Samuel 4:3. They did get the ark, and went to war with it, but the second
experience was worse: 30,000 men were killed!
The Israelites were defeated in a place called Ebenezer, which means
"Rock or stone of help." So what was wrong? Why didn't God help them?
We find our answers in 1 Samuel 7: the Israelites had been worshipping other
gods. They were worshipping other gods and expected God to help them. Just as
some of us do: we live as we please, disregarding God's will, saying that God
understands, and still expect Him to help us.
God said, "Those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise
Me shall be lightly esteemed." 1 Samuel2:30. Hmm.
As soon as the Israelites repented, God helped them defeat the
Philistines so that they never returned, all that the Philistines had taken
from them were restored and they had peace. Hallelujah!
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