This story of the Philistines capturing the ark of the covenant of the Lord is one of several occasions of misuses and abuses of political and religious power recorded in I and II Samuel. The ark of the covenant was the visible sign of the presence and power of God. Until this time the ark was housed in the tabernacle (tent sanctuary) at Shiloh as intended by God when the Israelites entered the promised land (Joshua 18:1). Now Israel is disastrously defeated by the Philistines and the elders of Israel realize that the defeat was the work of the Lord. However, there is no collective repentance or any other indication that they seek to know God's will in their war with the Philistines. Instead, they decide, apparently on their own accord, to remove the ark from Shiloh where it has been for over 300 years and bring the ark to the battlefield assuming that it will save them from defeat by the Philistines. It almost seems as if Israel is trying to force God to do their will instead of seeking God's will and then doing it. But the ark is not a magic charm and so Israel is defeated and the ark captured by the Philistines. How often do you think up a plan and then ask God to accomplish your plan? Should you not first ask God what His plans and purposes are for you and then align your plans with God's will for you?
