After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”
Ah, but they were mistaken. The Ark of the Covenant was not some sort of good luck charm to bring them success in battle.
Israel was defeated that day because the hearts of the people and their leaders were far from the Lord.
