I Samuel 1-4

“This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt” (2:17). God had chosen Israel to be his people and had given them priests to lead them in sacrifices and worship. Now Hophni and Phineas were stealing the food offerings and abusing the women who served alongside them (ch 2). Their grave sins caused Israel to lose God’s favor: they were defeated in battle, the holy ark was captured, and Phineas, Hophni, and Eli died (ch 4).

“The Glory had departed” (4:22). Israel faltered not because of their enemies, but because of their spiritual rebellion. When we trust the Lord and follow his ways, he fights our battles.