1 & 2 Samuel (Program #6) – The History Concerning Samuel (4)
Throughout history the ark of the covenant was crucial to the nation of Israel. The Bible tells us that after the tabernacle was completed in Exodus 40, and the ark was placed in the holy of holies, then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle. From that moment on the presence of the Lord was associated with the ark. Whenever Jehovah desire to move on the earth, the ark led the way. In battle as long as Israel was following the Lord, Jehovah leads and the ark was present they knew God was with them and they prevailed. However in the waning years of the ironic priesthood, not only the people in general but even the priest themselves no longer had a heart for the Lord and for His needs. Rather all of their attention were focused on their own needs, their own desire and their own security. And when in this situation they tried to use the ark in a superstitious way. Not only did the ark seem to lose its’ miraculous power but Jehovah allowed it to be taken by Philistines and and separated from the tabernacle. And the result as spoken in 1 Samuel chapter 4:22 was the greatest tragedy, for “the glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been taken”
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