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Today's Bible Reading...
April 2 - I Samuel 4-7
Questions:
1. What were the sites of the Israelite and Philistine camps in 4:1?
2. What happened to the "Ark of the Covenant" when it was carried into
battle
against the Philistines? (4:10)
3. What happened to "Dagon" in the presence of the Ark? (6:1-15)
4. What happened to the Philistines while the Ark was kept in their land? (5)
5. How long was the Ark in the country of the Philistines? (6:1)
6. How was the Ark returned to Israel? (6)
7. The Ark was given into whose charge? (7:1)
8. What advice did Samuel give if the Israelites were really serious about
returning
to the Lord with all their hearts? (7:3-4)
9. What happened at Mizpah? (7:5-15)
10. In light of the fact that God had helped them, what name did Samuel give
to the
stone that he set up betweden Mizpah and Jeshanah? (7:12)
After the Ark was captured by the Philistines it was never taken back
to Shiloh.
The ark remained in the Philistine cities for 7 months, in which time great
plagues
afflicted the Philistines. Finally the Ark was taken to Beth-shemesh. Then
to
Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for 20 years. Later it was taken by David
to Jerusalem
where a tabernacle was built for it. After the return of the Ark from the
Philistines,
Samuel administered a defeat to the Philistines at the very place they had
captured the Ark.
1. The Israelites thought that the ark itself was their source of power.
They saw it
as a good luck charm that would protect them in battle. A symbol of God
(cross etc.)
does not guarantee God's presence and power.
2. The Israelites thought that because God had given them victories in the
past he would
give them victories again, even though they had strayed from God.
Sometimes people
tend to live in the past "glory days" even though they stray from God.
Victory will
come only through a continual relationship with God.
3. God works in God's time. Prayers are not always answered immediately.
Israel prayed
for 20 years for the return of the Ark of the Covenant.
4. Samuel said that the people must turn from their idols and turn to God
exclusively.
Prayer: God, help me to be patient and to persevere in my prayers. I know
you will work
in your time and in your way. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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