Ichabod

The news that the Ark of God was taken had shocked Eli, causing him to fall and die. The tragedy extended to the wife of Phinehas, who was in her final month of pregnancy. (1) When she heard that the Ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and husband had died, labor pains began, and she kneeled down and gave birth to a son. (2) The shock was so intense that, after giving birth, she was near death. People around her tried to comfort her by saying that she gave birth to a boy. However, their words meant nothing to her. (3) Referring to the capture of the Ark, she said, “The glory has departed from Israel,” and named her son Ichabod, which means “no glory.”

The death of Phinehas’ wife

Just as Eli’s, the death of Phinehas’ wife was also a tragic one. However, there are elements of hope to be found here too. (1) She was more shocked that the Ark of God was taken than the deaths of her father-in-law and husband. This suggests that she was a more spiritual person than her husband Phinehas. Like Eli, she too seems to have experienced spiritual salvation. (2) She cried out twice, “The glory has departed from Israel,” which is partly correct and partly incorrect. While the Ark of God was taken by the Philistines, its stay in Philistine territory was temporary. God Himself would begin to act, judge the Philistines, and ensure the return of the Ark to the land of Israel. (3) Moreover, the departure of God’s glory from Israel would happen much later, in the time of Ezekiel (this topic is covered in Ezekiel Chapters 8 to 11). We must not limit the greatness of God. God can never be confined within human intellect. Today, let’s worship the Father, who is seated on the throne of glory, through His Son, Jesus.