instead of submitting, they speak angrily, as not aware of any just provocation they had given him.
The foolishness of man perverts his way, and then his heart frets against the Lord, Pr 19:3, and
finds fault with him. They supposed that they could oblige God to appear for them, by bringing the
ark into their camp. Those who have gone back in the life of religion, sometimes discover great
fondness for the outward observances of it, as if those would save them; and as if the ark, God's
throne, in the camp, would bring them to heaven, though the world and the flesh are on the throne
in the heart.
Verses 10 , 11
The taking of the ark was a great judgment upon Israel, and a certain token of God's displeasure.
Let none think to shelter themselves from the wrath of God, under the cloak of outward profession.
Verses 12–18
The defeat of the army was very grievous to Eli as a judge; the tidings of the death of his two
sons, to whom he had been so indulgent, and who, as he had reason to fear, died impenitent, touched
him as a father; yet there was a greater concern on his spirit. And when the messenger concluded
his story with, “The ark of God is taken,” he is struck to the heart, and died immediately. A man
may die miserably, yet not die eternally; may come to an untimely end, yet the end be peace.
Verses 19–22
The wife of Phinehas seems to have been a person of piety. Her dying regret was for the loss
of the ark, and the departure of the glory from Israel. What is any earthly joy to her that feels herself
dying? No joy but that which is spiritual and divine, will stand in any stead then; death is too serious
a thing to admit the relish of any earthly joy. What is it to one that is lamenting the loss of the ark?
What pleasure can we take in our creature comforts and enjoyments, if we want God's word and
ordinances; especially if we want the comfort of his gracious presence, and the light of his
countenance? If God go, the glory goes, and all good goes. Woe unto us if he depart! But though
the glory is withdrawn from one sinful nation, city, or village after another, yet it shall never depart
altogether, but shines forth in one place when eclipsed in another.
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
Dagon is broken before the ark. (1–5)
The Philistine smitten. (6–12)Verses 1–5