The Capture of the Ark

INTRODUCTION: In chapter 3, we saw great hope for the future of the nation of Israel. God started speaking again and He placed His hand of blessing upon a young man named Samuel. This chapter reverts back to the reality of the mess the Israelites found themselves because of their many years of disobedience. The theme of this lesson is the departure of God’s glory and the humbling of the nation. The Israelites had a form of religion, but had long ago left the principles of true godliness. They did not seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
The appearance outwardly is that God is finished with the nation, but God is working behind the scenes to bring man to his knees in submission. Samuel is born but the godless leadership must be taken out of the way.