Scenes from the Cosmic War, 1 Samuel 4:1–22

Judgment and a New Beginning
Lessons from 1 Samuel 4

Paul J. Bucknell

Although corruption collapses under judgment, hope remains because God advances His redemptive plan through those who trust and obey His Word.

The Closed Door and Opening of Another

Honestly, I don't understand why God delays, but He is the Judge. Never let your feeling of being 'better than God” lead to doubts about His righteousness. Judgment did come, and it will come to us if we don’t repent. But God was doing more than just judging Eli and his sons here.

The Book of 1 Samuel, while not providing a complete picture, demonstrates how God can operate within the system. Through Hannah’s infertility, He raised Samuel in the priesthood to become the new Judge. (We see a similar pattern with King Saul, who failed to obey God.) Eli let down both God and His people. There will be times when we cannot trust our current system. But don’t turn away from God. Instead, focus on what God is doing new. For example, consider what it meant for Samuel to keep serving Eli for many years. It must have been very tempting to follow Eli and his sons’ example or to become bitter. But again, Samuel overcame Satan’s accusations and pride. Sadly, his sons did not. This remains another difficult challenge.

But let us return to the judgment, and when it seemed that the glory of God had left Israel, every remaining hope appeared to have vanished, but it hadn’t. God had His tested and proven judge, Samuel, the priest and prophet. (We will later read about this.) Samuel would serve as a reminder that those who trust in God will succeed. So let me describe what is happening to those who are being judged in our society.

Now, many churches have lost God’s glory, even as they claim to preach His love. Still, they accept divorce, illegitimacy, infidelity, and various sexual deviations. They are deceived into thinking that this tolerance is the highest form of love. Like in Eli's last days, it’s hard to believe a church would support such things. Yet, judgment has begun, although it's not finished. Wealth and buildings accompany these false prophets, seeming to uphold this foolishness, but everything will be swept away.

It's sad when death guides us to life and repentance leads to salvation. There is no room for self-pride. Power is not in religious objects, charms, or rites but in obedience. The cross, where we die to ourselves, reminds us that we cannot do it alone; this is our only hope of serving God. Our hope in a dark age comes from God’s greater plans, sometimes, which we cannot see.

Let me summarize this third chance with a few statements.

The Lost World

New Beginning

Conclusion

Though chapter 4 ends on a despairing note, it also signals the end of corruption. All corruption will ultimately fail. The key is to recognize God’s judgment and avoid being part of such a demise. While we can’t escape our cultures, we can seek out a faithful church that loves God’s Word. When they remain faithful, you’ll see a strong mission program and training of God’s people in His Word. They also talk about love, but also about God’s holiness. Let me summarize with some

1 Samuel 4 Study Questions

  1. Why did the Philistines capture the ark of God?
  2. Why did Israel lose the battle in 1 Samuel 4?
  3. What does 1 Samuel 4 teach about religious symbols?
  4. How did Eli and his sons fail as spiritual leaders?
  5. What are the signs that God’s glory has left a church?
  6. How does repentance bring hope after spiritual decline?
  7. What is the link between obedience and God’s presence?
  8. How can churches prevent becoming like Eli’s priesthood?
  9. Where is hope found after judgment in 1 Samuel 4?