WHY A MOTHER NAMED HER SON ICHABOD 1 Sam 4:1-22

Introduction---Can you imagine a mother naming her son Ichabod? Literally Ichabod means the glory of the Lord is gone or departed. Why did the mother think the glory of the Lord was gone? 

I.    BECAUSE GOD'S PEOPLE WERE LOSING BATTLES. v 1-3 & 10

Explanation--In the first two verses the historical record of God's Word reports the historical record that His people lost a battle and 4,000 men were killed. In verse 10 it states 30,000 men were killed. This was unusual for Israel because God had promised and given unique victories in the past.

Illustration--In Joshua 6 Jericho fell because they followed God's plan of waling around the city 7 times blowing trumpets and shouting.

In Judges 15 Samson kills 1,000 men with the jaw-bone from a donkey.

In Judges 7 God gives victory to 300 men that He couldn't give to 32,000 men.

Application--Israel was accustomed to winning battles because she walked with God. His presence was among them and as long as they were obedient, they won victories over the enemy. But now the presence of God was against Israel because of their sin.

II. THE PEOPLE WERE MAKING DECISIONS WITHOUT SEEKING GOD'S GUIDANCE. v 3-10

Explanation--In verses one and two we have noted the people lost a battle. In verses 3-10 the people decide they need to get the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark symbolized the presence of God. The Book of the Law was kept in it and God had spoken audibly to Moses from the Ark. This would seem to be good thinking but it was reasoning that never consulted God. There is no reference to prayer or seeking the counsel and intervention of the Godly people. In fact, very sinful men were leading the people.

Illustration--No doubt all of you have spent the night or several nights in a different home and slept in a strange bed. One little boy on vacation with his parents was sleeping in a little room off to itself but close to his parents. On the day they were to leave they tried to get this boy up before dawn. The boy surprised Mom and Dad by saying, "I won't get up until I can see Jesus." Thinking this to be an unusual response the parents sought an explanation. Then they discovered a picture of Jesus on the wall and the boy had been afraid to get up until it was light enough to see that picture.

Application: That boy's example would have been good for the Children of Israel. I t would certainly be good for us. When we are most aware of God's presence we will seek His guidance. We will not make decisions without seeking His counsel.

III. BECAUSE THE PEOPLE MISUSED THE THINGS OF GOD.  vs 4

Explanation--In verse 4, Phinehas, the father of this child named Ichabod, was one of the leaders in abusing the Holy Ark of God. He helped in leading the people to desire the Ark just so they might win a battle. A holy purpose never entered their minds, just get God on our side like some king or magical genie. A very unholy purpose for the Ark of the Covenant. No wonder this mother thought the presence of God was gone from these people.

Illustration--In the book of Daniel the story is told of a king who took the holy temple vessels and used them in drunken feast. It wasn't long until he saw the handwriting on the wall and the judgment of God fell on him.

Application--A nation can not abuse the holy articles and things of God without receiving God's judgment. God's presence will not bless a nation or a people who do these things. God's name is holy! This mother knew the glory of God had departed from Israel --- Because Sinful men were overseeing the work of God.

IV. BECAUSE SINFUL MEN WERE OVERSEEING THE WORK OF GOD.   1 Sam 2:22-25 & 3:11-13

Explanation--A little research reveals that Eli, the grandfather of this boy named Ichabod, was not the godly man he should have been.. He was the High Priest but he had stopped rebuking the sins of his own sons and was not delivering the Word of God to the people. His sons were filthy sinners and yet they were allowed to serve in the temple. (I Sam. 2:17, 22-25; 3:1, 13)

Illustration--I know of a church in Georgia where the pastor had a bar in his office. Another person on staff had a history of adulterous affairs, and embezzling. But the church became one of the largest churches in South Florida. Why? Because people were comfortable in their sin and with these sinful leaders, and God's presence wasn't desired.

Application--What about the leaders of this church from the pastor to every elected leader? Are they godly? Do they ha ve a desire to grow in Christ-loikeness that is measurable by what they do and what they don't do? Is the use of time, talent and possession motivated by a desire to be godly and walk in the presence of God?

V.   CAUSE THE ENEMY NO LONGER RESPECTED GOD OR HIS PEOPLE. V 5-9 

Explanation--Notice in verse 5 the immediate effect on the people of Israel when the Ark was brought into their camp. Then notice in verses 6-8 the immediate effect on the Philistines. But then in verse 9 the leadership causes the Philistines to no longer respect the Ark and fear the God of Israel. The enemy had heard of what God had accomplished in Egypt and in many other battles, but Satan and his forces know you can't fight today's battles on yesterday's victories. The enemy doesn't respect the Children of God unless they walk in righteousness with their God. A christian is powerful and protected as he walks in the presence of God. But if the enemy knows you're a Christian who doesn't live up to up to your faith, they don't have respect for you. In verse 11 the Philistines captured the Ark.

Illustration--In Acts 19:13-16, a story is told of some persons desiring to be exorcists. They commanded an evil spirit to leave a person and the demons answered, "I recognize Jesus and I know about Paul, but who are you? You see, the evil forces had no respect for these men because they were not godly.

Application--A mother knew the glory of God had departed from Israel because the enemy had taken away one of their most precious and holy articles. Today can you mothers see a disrespect for God, His name, His house, His day? Could you name a child Ichabod today?

VI. BECAUSE SHE SAW THE JUDGMENT OF GOD FALL.   V 15-22

Explanation--When the glory of God is present in a people's life, they are not judged harshly by God. They may suffer and experience unpleasantness, but it is because they are godly and in opposition to the world. However, when God sends Judgment or allows an evil damnation to be His source of Judgment, it is evident His presence and glory no longer rest with a people.

Illustration--In contrast Jesus says, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Application--Mothers, do you see God's judgment on the lives of those who are living ungodly lives? Is the glory of God gone? Could you name a child Ichabod?

Conclusion--This mother named her son Ichabod. But approximately 1200 years later a mother named her son JESUS. The name Jesus means Savior,  Jehovah Saves,   or Power to save. Which child do you want this day in your life, home and church?