Moment With The Master
“The Glory Has Departed From Israel”
Categories: Moment With The MasterThen she named the child Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. (1 Samuel 4:21)
The time of the Judges is one of the most depressing periods of Old Testament history. The early days of Samuel were no exception. Eli, the high priest, had failed as a father. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, instead of being righteous leaders, possessed the character of a morally corrupt society. Out of these surroundings, our historian briefly notes the life of a remarkably devout woman.
The wife of Phinehas, the son of Eli, gave birth to a son. The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines. As this devout woman is dying, she names her son Ichabod – meaning “no glory”. Her dying words are recorded here: "The glory has departed from Israel!"
The loss of the Ark was symbolic of the pitiful spiritual condition of Israel. The Tables of the Covenant, the law that guided Israel, was lost. The mercy-seat from which Israel could be forgiven was inaccessible. The Ark of the Covenant represented Jehovah’s favor, guidance, protection, and fellowship. “The glory of Israel” was the enjoyment of the highest distinction that God can possibly confer- namely being God’s chosen people.
Today, God’s special people (I Peter 2:9,10) are those who have accepted Christ as Savior. They are called to live holy lives and be committed to God’s work. God guides them through his word. They can receive limitless mercy through God’s son. (I Peter 2:10) However, God’s protection and favor can be withdrawn.
New Testament writers warned of apostasy. When those who have known the way of righteousness, turn from the holy commandment delivered to them, the glory departs from Israel. (2 Peter 2:21) When a local church ignores the passion or pattern God wishes for them to follow, God removes the candlestick. (Revelation 2:3)
The presence of God should be counted our greatest blessing, his departure our most dreaded calamity. May we do everything in our power to preserve it!
George Slover
