1 Samuel 4 + 5: Eli Falls and The Ark Takes a Tour of Terror

Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of 1 Samuel, are part of what is called the ark narrative because they tell the story of the Philistine's victory over Israel and their possession of the ark of the covenant. Samuel is absent from these chapters. The focus is on the failure of Eli and his sons as spiritual leaders. The loss of the Ark of the Covenant was a visible symbol of Israel’s broken covenant with God. In chapter 7, Samuel is reintroduced to lead Israel to repentance and d...