CHILDREN STS LESSON 41: ISRAEL DEFEATED BY THE PHILISTINES
Bible Text: 1 Samuel 4:1–22
The war between Israel and the Philistines was allowed by God to bring to fulfilment the prophecy of the destruction of Eli’s family. Although it was the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, that committed the grievous sin of corrupting the priesthood, Eli their father was not spared in the divine judgment that came on the family because he failed to discipline them. He was weak in bringing up his children in the fear of God.
Children must be careful and committed to obeying the word of God they have been taught. You must remember that whatever you do has a way of affecting your family or environment either in a positive or negative way. This is why you must be conscious of what you do at all times.
God sent clear warnings to Eli through a prophet and even young Samuel, but he did not do anything about it. Now the men of Israel were to go to war with their enemy, the Philistines. Instead of repenting and seeking the face of God for help, they went into the battle depending on their strength and the presence of the ark of God.
They were not only defeated, thousands of people were killed, including Hophni and Phinehas. The news of their defeat led to the death of Eli and the wife of Phinehas. The remnants of the Israelites returned to their camp in sorrow and regret.
Israel experienced the pain of defeat and death and learned that there is no shortcut to victory. Sinners must become sober and sorry for their evil ways. To cover up with religious activities is to attract God’s punishment. Repent now and ask for forgiveness and cleansing from all sins. This is the only way to experience victory in every battle of life.
- DANGER OF DISOBEYING GOD’S WORD
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 4:1–3; 2:27–29; 3:11–14; Isaiah 1:2–15; Romans 3:23
In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve. He made them the crown of His creations. He also gave them dominion over all that He had made. All that they needed to be comfortable was provided freely for them. The only duty that God required from them was obedience to His command. This looks so simple, yet man disobeyed and reaped the consequence.
It is very sad to note that despite repeated warnings and judgments, man has not learned to obey God. The children of Israel were God’s chosen people. God gave them a land flowing with milk and honey for their inheritance. They had the law, prophets, and everything to guide them to walk in the way of the Lord.
Unfortunately, they always went back to their evil ways. Despite constant warning, suffering, and punishment, Israel had not learned anything. They forsook God, His law, covenant, and served idols. God was angry with them and allowed their enemies to conquer them (Proverbs 29:1).
The case in our Bible passage is one of the instances that Israel suffered defeat because of their sins. God is angry with sinners every day. However, there is abundant grace for those who will take the step of faith and repent. The judgment of God is coming and eternity is near. Do not remain in your rebellion and disobedience.
- DEATH OF ELI AND HIS SONS
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 4:1–22; 2:30–34; Proverbs 29:1; Romans 6:23a
The consequence of Israel’s corruption and disobedience was more than they could imagine. War broke out between the Philistines (enemy nation) and Israel. The fight was so serious that Israel forgot about God and went into the temple to carry the ark of God.
The ark is a wooden box containing sacred objects set in the temple. It symbolises God’s presence and His covenant with Israel. God is more concerned about our personal relationship with Christ than the use of symbols like anointing oil, prayer books, “holy water,” religious wristbands, crucifix, etc.
Despite the presence of the ark, Israel suffered a humiliating (disgraceful) defeat. Thirty-four thousand people were killed. Hophni, Phinehas, Eli, and Phinehas’ wife died the same day. The child that was prematurely delivered by Phinehas’ wife was named Ichabod. The ark of God was captured.
This means the presence and glory of God had departed from Israel. Anyone who disregards God’s word is open to enemy attack, failure, defeat, sickness, demonic affliction, premature death, and eternal suffering in hell-fire. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
Are you still a sinner or a backslider? This is the time to repent so as to escape God’s righteous judgment.
- DEPART FROM EVIL AND RETURN TO GOD
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 4:3; Isaiah 1:16–19; Romans 6:23
God is merciful and kind. He is patiently waiting for sinners, backsliders, and lukewarm Christians to come to Him in repentance. God called young Samuel and gave him a message to warn Eli concerning his wicked children. These children hardened their hearts and refused to repent.
Their rebellion brought death, destruction, and sorrow to the entire family and Israel as a nation. God’s presence departed from Israel, and their enemies oppressed them. There is still hope for sinners who will repent now.
Accept that you are a sinner. Repent and confess your sins to God. Ask Him to forgive you and wash your heart with the blood of Jesus. Forsake all your sins. Ask Jesus to be your Lord, Saviour, Master, Friend, and Companion. Determine to serve God all the days of your life.
QUESTIONS
- Despite God’s repeated warnings, Israel forsook God. Yes / No?
- Ichabod means __________________________
- Why did the glory of God depart from Israel?
- State three things that happened to Israel in the battle.
- What must a sinful child do to escape the punishment of God?
MEMORY VERSE
“And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen”
(1 Samuel 4:10)
LESSON
Rebellion and a sinful lifestyle will bring God’s judgment.
THOUGHT
I will love, honour, and obey God’s word in order to enjoy His blessings.
ACTIVITY
With the help of the teacher, children should draw matching symbols to connect the message in Column A with those in Column B.
Example:
COLUMN A
- Eli’s sons
- First battle, the Philistines killed
- Ichabod means
- How old was Eli
- Israel’s sin
- Second battle, the Philistines killed
COLUMN B
- Glory of God departs
- 98 years old
- Idol worship, disrespect for the ark and rebellion
- 30,000 men
- Hophni and Phinehas
- 4,000 men
HOMEWORK
Read the following Bible passages and write in your homework book the blessings for the obedient and the punishment for the disobedient:
(a) Deuteronomy 28:11–13
(b) Isaiah 1:19
(c) Judges 6:1–6
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 89 – O Jesus, I Have Promised
CHORUSES
- I will not be a sinner.
- Obedience is the very best way.
- If you do good, there is kingdom.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
- Rebellion
- Terrible
- Ichabod
- Backslider
- Humility
