17 The man who brought the news replied, "Israel fledbefore the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavylosses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, aredead, and the ark of God has been captured." - P152
18 When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell back-ward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck wasbroken and he died, for he was an old man, and he washeavy. He had led Israel forty years. - P153
21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, "The Glory hasdeparted from Israel"-because of thecaptureof theark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and herhusband. - P153
When Eli hears that Israel has been defeated, his two sons are dead, and theark of God has been taken, he falls back from his chair and dies. - P153
Eli‘s pregnantdaughter-in-law goes into labor after hearing the news and dies giving birth.
She names the boy Ichabod, saying the Glory has departed from Israel be-cause the ark of God has been captured. - P153
The messenger displays the traditional signs of mourning: torn clothesand dust on his head. - P154
He knows that the news he has is devastating forall of Israel and he grieves over it. What has happened goes beyond theenemy capture of a religious artefact: the symbol of God‘s glory is nowin the hands of the Philistines. The nation is dishonored. - P154
How do wereact when others treat God with disrespect? When we see others pushGod out of their lives, do we mourn? God is jealous for His glory andthe souls of His own, so as His children we must be, too. - P154
Let us conductourselves in a way that pleases God and causes others to give Him thehonor He is due. - P154
Eli‘s grandson is named Ichabod because of the shock his mother receives
at the news of the ark‘s capture. - P154
She loses all hope, and even thejoyous event of the birth of her son cannot bring her any relief. - P154
Haveyou ever felt like all the joy has departed from your life? Have you felt sohopeless that nothing will make you feel better? The things of this worldmay give us feelings of hope or joy, but those are ultimately fleeting.
- P154
Lasting hope and joy can only be found in the Lord. On this side of thecross, we have God‘s guarantee that He will never leave us nor forsakeus. - P154
Let us be eager to walk in His presence. - P154
Heavenly Father, may I never cause Your holy name to be dishonored. - P155
Pleaselet my joy be the witness that You alone deserve all the honor and glory. I prayin Jesus‘ name, amen. - P155
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