The Ark - Lost and Regained: Having introduced the problems of leadership in Israel, only partially resolved by Samuel’s new role, the narrative moves on to prepare the reader to hear the story of Israel’s kingship. The underlying theme of the nature of power continues: can God’s power be manipulated by manipulation of the sacred ark, which represents God’s presence in Israel? The answer to this question is clear, but it is not explicitly stated. It is likely that the writers make use of a source detailing the history of the ark (cf. p. 4 above).

4:1b–11 Attention so far has been focused on a fairly small group of people. Now the picture widens to give a view of the situation in the nation. The constant tension between the Israelites and the Philistines, seen in Judges, continues. A battle …