Day 1

ISRAEL IN CRISIS

There was war between the Children of Israel and the Philistines. In this conflict Hophni and Phineas were killed (1 Sam. 4:11), Eli died from the shock of his son's death (verses 17,18) and the Ark of God was captured and taken away. The judgement of God was swift and decisive. He used a pagan nation to humble Israel and remove her evil leaders. God miraculously brought about the return of the Ark (1 Sam. 5&6) but even after it was safely in place at Kirjath-jearim it took Israel twenty years to return to the worship of God. When at last they began to seek Him, Samuel's work began in earnest (1 Sam 7:3-14), the Philistines were defeated and Israel experienced a period of peace and stability.

This part of Israel's history shows us the certainty of God's judgement but even more surely his extraordinary patience, mercy and love towards his people. Despite years of neglect, as soon as his people turned back to him God acted on their behalf. God constantly says to his people, now as then, "Return unto me and I will return unto you" Malachi 3:7.