Az – The Journeys of the Ark of the Covenant First Samuel 4:1b to 7:1

The Journeys of the Ark of the Covenant
First Samuel 4:1b to 7:1

The biblical narrative suddenly changes to the Philistine campaign against Isra’el. Not only was Isra’el defeated in the battle, but the Ark of the LORD was captured (see the commentary on Exodus, to see link click Fr – The Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place: Christ at the Throne of Grace), ‘Eli’s two sons were killed, and ‘Eli himself fell over dead when he heard the news. The Ark was brought into enemy territory (see Be – The Ark in the Land of the Philistines), but the Philistines sent it back to Isra’el after they suffered greatly because the hand of God was heavy on them (see Bi – The Ark on the Move). Even though the Ark was captured, YHVH was not defeated. He was certainly ADONAI even in enemy territory.¹¹⁰ These three chapters are commonly called “the Ark narrative,” because apart from the powerful, invisible working of the LORD, the Ark is the only “character” who acts in the story. Of special interest is the fact that Samuel, for whom Chapters 1-3 have so carefully prepared us, is not mentioned in the narrative. It is not necessary, however, to say that the Ark has displaced Samuel as the central actor. Rather, this narrative witnesses the direct will and action of ADONAI, for which the Ark is merely a narrative “vehicle.”¹¹¹ He acts alone. Certainly the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1).