The Story of Ichabod!
1 Samuel 4
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, March 23.
Have you ever felt like God removed His presence from you?
In 1 Samuel 4, Israel experienced a day of great tragedy that culminated in such a feeling. In a series of battles against the Philistines, 34,000 men were killed (2, 10). Even with this tragic loss of life, the story emphasizes that the greatest loss was that of the ark of the covenant, which was where God would manifest His presence to the Israelites.
Upon hearing of this great defeat, which included the death of his two sons, Eli the high priest died (18). The story ends with the premature death of Phinehas’ wife in childbirth, whose final words are recorded in 1 Samuel 4:21-22:
“And she called the boy Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel,’ because the ark of God was taken and because of her father-in-law and her husband. She said, ‘The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God was taken.’”
Ichabod literally means, “inglorious” or “no glory.” The glory of God describes God’s favor and blessing upon His people; it is brought about by the giving of His presence. While we know that God is omnipresent and it is impossible for God not to be where God always is, the removal of His manifest presence, His glory, is the removal of favor; it is judgment upon people for their sin. This woman felt the removal of God’s presence in Israel and named her son Ichabod!
There is only one answer when you feel that God has removed His favor from your life. James 4:8 invites you to
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Seize the moment and seek God through confession and repentance. God is faithful and just to forgive you of your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
God bless you!
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