"The glory (of God) has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured" 1 Samuel 12:22

Consider five facets of Israel's devastation.

1. The Battle (1 Samuel 12:10-11)

A devastating loss. 40 thousand men killed and the Ark of the Covenant captured.       

2. The Messenger - (v 12-13)

A man of Benjamin, torn clothes and dirt on his head, brings devastating news.

3. The Priest - (v14-18)

Eli, old and blind hears the messengers report - he's the last to hear the devastating news: Israel defeated with massive loss of life, his sons killed and the Ark of the Lord is captured. Upon hearing about the ark, Eli falls backward, breaks his neck and dies.

4. The Newborn - (V19-22)

The pregnant wife of Phineas hears of his death, gives birth to a son and in her overwhelming sorrow names him Ichabod and dies.

Ichabod - The glory has departed

5. The Glory - (21-22)

"The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."

Israel defamed God's glory because they tried to manipullate His power for their own purposes.

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5. The glory of God returns with the incarnation of Christ - Luke 2:9

4. The newborn: Jesus - Yaweh saves. Matthew 1:21

      Immanuel - God with us Matthew 1:23

      Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6

3. Jesus the perfect priest - Hebrews 3:1-3

2. The Messenger - Jesus brings good news

    "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled..."  Jesus has come to defeat sin and

      bring salvation to His people. Luke 4:18

1. The battle over sin and death is won because of Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

    1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 2:24

Application

1. The Newborn - In Christ we are born again, no longer under God's judgement, but

    instead His beloved children.

2. The Message - We are God's messengers to bring the good news of Christ to the

    world. Romans 10:14-15

3. Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31