SECTION 37 OF 89

Chapter 4

3. Israel Sought Victory in Wrong Way—The recollection of these glorious triumphs inspired all Israel with fresh hope and courage, and they immediately sent to Shiloh for the ark, “that when it cometh among us,” said they, “it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” They did not consider that it was the law of God which alone gave to the ark its sacredness, and that its presence would bring them prosperity only as they obeyed that law (The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881).

3-5. Hophni and Phinehas Presumptuously Enter Most Holy Place—The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, eagerly acceded to the proposal to bear the ark into the camp. Without the consent of the high priest, they ventured presumptuously into the holy of holies, and took from thence the ark of God. Filled with pride, and elated with the expectation of speedy victory, they bore it to the camp. And the people, beholding, as they thought, the token of Jehovah’s presence, “shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.” (The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881).

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