Israel faced devastating defeat because they treated God’s presence like a superstition, bringing the ark into battle as a good-luck charm rather than repenting. Their misplaced trust led to military disaster, the death of Eli and his sons, and the loss of the ark. Meanwhile, the Philistines also failed to honor the true God, suffering plagues and humiliation as their idol Dagon fell before the ark. Even after the ark returned to Israel, reverence was still lacking. Through tragedy and judgment, God reminded both nations that He is not to be used or manipulated—He is to be worshiped in reverent obedience.
Treating God Like a Lucky Charm
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