Anesti Ministries

The key to victory.

The Israelites concluded that they were defeated in the first battle because the Lord was not with them. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to secure their victory. The ark was a powerful symbol of the presence of God (Exodus 40:21). In Joshua 6, the walls of Jericho crumbled after the priests carried the ark around Jericho for 7 days. The two wicked priests, Hophni and Phinehas brought the ark to the army. The Philistines were aware of how God had defeated the Egyptians. Even though the Israelites carried the ark into the second battle against the Philistines, they suffered even heavier losses. The Israelites tried to use the ark to win their battles. But victory only comes when we are faithful and obedient to the Lord. We cannot force God to do our will. God answers prayers when we pray according to His will. When we make plans first and pray for God to bless them after, we are behaving like the Israelites. Prayer is surrendering our wills to God. Surrendering means seeking God’s decision before we have made a decision.

God’s judgment over Eli’s house comes to pass.

Unlike previous leaders such as Joshua, Eli did not have confidence that the ark would bring Israel victory. Eli’s worse fears were realised when a messenger reported that his 2 sons were dead and the ark was captured. God’s judgment was fulfilled according to what the man of God and Samuel had spoken (1 Samuel 2:34, 1 Samuel 3:13). The Bible always includes details for a reason. Eli was heavy because he joined his sons in eating the fat portions of the sacrifice that belonged to God (1 Samuel 2:29).

The loss of the ark was devastating news because it was a sign that God’s glory had departed. Despite losing her entire family in a day, Phinehas’ wife’s main concern was Israel being cut off from God’s presence. Ichabod’s name means the glory has departed, but God sent another son whose name means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory that came into the world (Hebrews 1:3). Even though we may fail God, through Jesus Christ the glory of God will never depart. And through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence will dwell in our hearts for eternity (1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 1:13).