1. Events and Lessons of 1 Samuel 4:1-7:2 God’s Holiness Must Be Respected

2. The Ark Was Taken They trusted in the Ark instead of God (4:1-3) Numbers 10:9 Exodus 40:36 Leviticus 16:2

3. The Ark Was Taken God turned against them (4:11) We must be careful not to do the same! Because they trust in THINGS, not God Ritual, externals were trusted Trusting in a physical cross Trusting in Icons/ religious paintings Numbers on attendance board Trusting in the name on a sign

4. The Ark Was Taken God Abandoned Them Psalm 78:56-66 Hophni and Phinehas Died (1 Samuel 4:11; 2:34) Eli Died (1 Samuel 2:30-36)

5. Ichabod Was Born “Where is the Glory?” Every time they said his name, they would remember this day. Their glory was still in the externals (the Ark) Where do you place your glory? (1 Corinthians 1:31)

6. The Ark Among the Philistines God’s Judgment Against Dagon Fish god Head and hands of a human, body of a fish Against the Cities and Territories Plague, tumors, death Same things in Gath and Ekron—the whole land suffered!

7. The Ark Among the Philistines Their Reaction A Change in Terminology Note 5:7, 8, 10, 11 See the change in 6:2 What do you words reveal about your attitude toward God? Terminology Reflects Attitude

8. The Ark Among the Philistines Their Reaction A Change in Action 1 Samuel 6:3-12 What do you actions reveal about your attitude toward God? Actions Reflect Attitude

9. The Ark in Beth Shemesh God’s Judgment They offered sacrifices (6:13-15) They did not regard God’s holiness (6:19) Worship is good and honorable. Worship does not make us immune to the other commands of God.

10. The Ark in Kirjath-Jearim A Change of Heart (6:20-7:2) A change in terminology (6:20) (Emphasis on God, not the Ark) A change in actions (6:21) Sorrow is expressed (7:1-2)

11. Respecting God’s Holiness The Ark was taken because they considered God one of many gods. Samuel, Hophni, and Phinehas died because they did not respect God’s holiness. Ichabod’s name is a reminder of this dark time when men gloried in things instead of God. The Philistines learned to respect God’s holiness. Israel learned to respect God’s holiness.