He Endured Despite Disappointments

 Samuel could feel the grief in Shiloh. It almost seemed that the town was awash in tears. From how many houses did the cries of women and children emanate, the sounds of grieving over the news about fathers, husbands, and sons who would not be coming home? We only know that Israel had lost sone 30,000 soldiers in a terrible defeat at the hands of the Philistines not long after the loss of 4,000 in another battle. - 1 SAMUEL 4:1, 2, 10.

That was just part of a string of tragedies. High Priest Eli's two wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, has marched out of Shiloh with the sacred ark of the covenant. Usually housed in the holy compartment of the tabernacle-a tentlike temple-this precious chest was a symbol of God's presence. The people took the Ark into battle, foolishly thinking that it would act as a talisman and give them victory. But the Philistines captured the Ark, killing Hophni and Phinehas. - 1 SAMUEL 4:3-11.

Next time: He Endured Despite Disappointments - Conclusion 

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