1 Samuel 4

Daily Devotional from 1 Samuel 4—


Verse 3
...it will save us from our enemies. (NLT)

Everything that the Israelites did in this chapter looked right. It even sounded right. Upon defeat, they brought the Ark of the Covenant–the vessel of the LORD’s presence–to help them overcome their enemies. Their shout for joy was so outrageous that it melted their enemies’ hearts in fear. Everything should go according to plan now! Yet, the Israelites lost… again.

Reading through this chapter, I noticed one vital component missing from their plans: confirmation from God. The Israelites did what they thought was best. They devised a solution based on what God had used in the past. But instead of consulting God with their plans, they just went for it! Unfortunately for them, without God’s blessing, they ended up in a much worse situation than where they began.

There is a strong takeaway here for us: we must run straight to God (and only God) for deliverance. Even the miracles he works are not to be praised above him. The gifts he gives us are not to be worshipped. Only God is worthy of the cries of our hearts and the praise of our lips. Only he can bring deliverance.


Zoe Deming