“We’re lost! Who will rescue us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods that completely overthrew the Egyptians in the desert.” -1 Samuel 4:8 Here’s a neat little tip for you when studying the Hebrew Bible. Notice how in 1 Samuel 4 the Philistines kept referring to Israel’s God in the […]

“When the ark for the covenant of Adonai entered the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout that resounded through the land.” -1 Samuel 4:5  In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, we see Israel making a mistake all idolators typically make. They falsely ascribed supernatural power to an object. This is exactly what happened when […]

“When the army had returned to camp, the leaders of Israel asked, ‘Why has Adonai defeated us today before the P’lishtim? Let’s bring the ark for the covenant of Adonai from Shiloh to us, so that he will come among us and save us from our enemies.’”-1 Samuel 4:3 I’m not sure if I’ve ever told […]

There’s one huge difference between the Philistines and Israel you gotta be aware of. The Philistines were a nation of warriors… While the Israelites were mainly farmers and herdsmen. But when I say the Philistines were “warriors”, I don’t mean they were uncivilized beasts or something. Far from it… What I mean is they had […]

“So the word of Sh’mu’el came to all Isra’el. Israel went out to fight against the P’lishtim, setting up camp at Even-‘Ezer, while the P’lishtim camped at Afek.” -1 Samuel 4:1 Just as God raised up Joshua well before Moses passed away to prepare him for his leadership duties over all of Israel… So was […]