The Bible: 1 Samuel Chapter 7

In 1 Samuel Chapter 7 the second battle of Ebenezer is about to happen. The ark of the covenant had been returned to Israel, but not at Shiloh which was no longer functional, but at Kiriath Jearim. The ark however is not brought to battle like it was the first time at Ebenezer. The battle was prompted by a gathering of Israel to repent towards the Lord. They were at Mizpah at Samuel’s direction, when the Philistines sensed an opportunity. 3 Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to Yahweh, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” The language reminds us of what Christ said, “Seek first the kingdom and all these things will be added unto you.” The lessons and the struggles are the same today as they were three thousand years ago. After the repentance God fought for Israel. Thunder and lightning filled the sky and it terrified the Philistines. Many westerners have lost the sense that there are two realms that overlap each other in different dimensions. The spiritual and the natural are overlaid. Even the Philistines knew this, and interpreted the thunder as a sign that God was against them. In 1 Samuel 3 the Israelites had fought the Philistines at the exact same place, Ebenezer. Except in that case they had taken the ark of the covenant out as a king of magic wand to help them win war. They had no fear of God, and lost. Following on from this 50,000 men died at the hands of the ark, having no respect for God. But now, they have repented and the Lord has obtained a great victory in the same geographical place, Ebenezer. What a contrast. At the end of the chapter Samuel is labelled a judge.