Song # 1763.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. We read in the Book of 1 Samuel in chapter 4 that the Philistine army defeated the Israelites and the ark of the Lord was captured.
The Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1). The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:2). When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked “Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hands of our enemies” (1 Samuel 4:3). So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty (1 Samuel 4:4). When the ark of the Lord’s covenant came into camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook (1 Samuel 4:5). Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked “What’s all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?” When they learned that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp (1 Samuel 4:6), the Philistines were afraid. “A god has come into the camp” they said. “We’re in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before” (1 Samuel 4:7). “Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert” (1 Samuel 4:8). “Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!” (1 Samuel 4:9). So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated (1 Samuel 4:10). The ark of God was captured (1 Samuel 4:11).
Thought for today: we can please our God through praising Him.
Thought for the future: if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail. Where will you spend your eternity?