Chapter Summary

Ark taken by Philistines.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 4

1. The Israelites encounter very real setbacks and loss on day 1 of their confrontation with the Philistines. To what do they attribute their loss? Are they correct? Why or why not?
2. What do the people see as the purpose of the Ark of God? Is this its real purpose? What clues does the author give us?
3. Why do we hear the detail about the Lord Almighty being enthroned between the cherubim? What is this image supposed to remind the people of? How do they confuse the physical object with God's sovereign choice?
4. What is ironic about the presence of Hophni and Phinehas with the Ark? How does this confirm the Israelites' incorrect understanding of the Ark's purpose?
5. What is the relationship between the Philistines and the Israelites? What clues do you see in the passage?
6. What do the Philistines know about the God of Israel? What is their response to the realisation that there are 'gods' who have come into the Israelite camp? In what ways is their response more appropriate than the Israelites?
7. Why does God allow victory to Israel's enemy in spite of the presence of the Ark? Does he allow victories over his people today? Why?
8. Eli is a tragic figure here - what do you notice about his response to the news of Israel's defeat? What does this confirm about him?
9. How do Eli's death and the death of his daughter-in-law fulfill the Lord's prophecies?
10. The chapter ends with the birth of a child named 'no glory' (NIV). Is this name a true representation of the situation? Is God's glory really gone from Israel? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Ark taken, vv. 11, 17.

Characters

God, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, his wife, Ichabod.

Strong Verse(s)

22