And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
1 Samuel 4:3-4 NKJV
When Israel went to war against the Philistines, they suffered a devastating defeat—thousands of soldiers lost their lives. In desperation, the elders of Israel made a fateful decision. “Let us bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield.” They remembered the Ark as a symbol of God’s presence and victory.
But they had forgotten its true significance. The Ark wasn’t a lucky charm. It carried weight only when God’s favour rested upon it. They wanted the victory that only God can give. However, they sought the symbol (the ark) instead of seeking the God that the ark represented.
Still, they summoned it. And with it came the sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas. As the Ark entered the camp, the Israelites shouted for joy. The earth trembled. The Philistines, terrified by the noise, recognised the arrival of the Ark and recalled the power of Israel’s God. They feared defeat.
Yet something strange happened.
Despite the presence of the Ark, Israel was still routed. The Philistines killed 30,000 foot soldiers. Hophni and Phinehas were slain. The Ark was captured. The symbol remained, but the substance—the glory—was gone.
What does this teach us?
It is possible to carry the outward form of religion while lacking its power. We may attend church, recite prayers, and display spiritual symbols. But if our hearts are far from God, we carry Ichabod. We must never rely on symbols when the Source is absent.
When Eli heard of the Ark’s capture and his sons’ deaths, he collapsed and died. And as his daughter-in-law gave birth, she named the child Ichabod, summing up the entire tragedy in one statement. “The glory has departed.”
Living It Out
The story of Israel’s defeat teaches us a sobering truth: a symbol cannot substitute for God’s presence. The Ark was present, but the glory had already departed because of the people’s sins. It is possible to shout, to carry the appearance of faith, and still walk in defeat, because God is not truly with us.
So, how do we ensure the glory does not depart from our lives?
- Examine your heart: Is there any area where you’ve held onto religious routine while your relationship with God has grown distant?
- Prioritise the presence: Don’t seek the outward signs of God without seeking God Himself. Spend time daily in prayer, Scripture, and quiet communion.
- Live in obedience: God’s presence rests where there is reverence, holiness, and surrender, not in places of compromise or rebellion.
- Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit: Let your spiritual life be more than tradition—let it be a living, breathing walk with Christ.
Don’t settle for carrying the Ark without the glory. Pursue the presence. Let your life say, “God is here,” not “Ichabod.”
Ask the Lord today: Am I walking with You, or just carrying the symbols of faith?
Let this be a moment of honest reflection and realignment.