This is a very sad passage. But it also includes the death of a man who served God for 40 years. He didn't day happy. He didn't die well. There are lots of lessons for us. Join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZiDPhskq2O4
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Two thoughts on today’s lesson. You are absolutely right about God’s presence having previously departed from the ark of the covenant. If that were not true, those that went into the holy of holies to move the ark would have been struck dead upon touching it or perhaps even upon entering the holy of holies. Second, I have to wonder if Eli’s morbid obesity was a result of his own indulgent lifestyle which would not have been a good example to his two errant sons. No scripture to back this up but it does seem a possibility.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the fact that anyone going in to get the ark would have been struck dead. I believe only the High Priest (Eli) could have done that. In this case, I understand it was his sons that carried it out. So, yes, God's presence had departed, as they didn't die until later as God had predicted.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thought on Eli's possible "indulgent lifestyle". Sadly, your point reminds me of some politicians who don't call for the right thing to happen, lest they be exposed of their own sins.
Thanks Bob for being a faithful commentator on the studies. You help my own thinking a lot. Blessings. Ken.