The Ark is gone! Remember that God does not live nor is he bound by the location and whereabouts of the Ark. The Ark represents god’s presence with the people and now that it is gone, God’s presence and protection has lifted. It is strange that Eli would not discipline his sons and allow God’s judgment to fall upon the people out of blatant disobedience. I don’t mean to over spiritualize this story, but I see this more in today’s culture than I’ve ever read or heard about in previous generations. Parents have stepped aside and allowed their children to do what they wish instead of the hard work of protecting, boundaries and discipline. Parents are more concerned with their kids liking them than they are in raising them right. It’s a tough time to raise kids and a tough time to be a kid. Buck the culture and be a great parent, aunt or uncle or Grandparent…the kids in your life need guidance to not be like Hophni and Phinehas!
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It was surprising to me too that God allowed them to remain so long before He took their lives.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of Hannah - to keep her word to give her first born, after waiting so long, to the Lord. I wonder how she felt each year as she took him his new coat. What love must have gone into that coat. Amazing obedience!