Why Consult God?

The Philistines pitched camp at Aphek on the Plain of Sharon, about eleven miles northeast of Joppa on the coast. This placed them within twenty-five miles of the tabernacle at Shiloh. “Upon numerous previous occasions God had directed that the armies of Israel go forth into battle with their enemies, and when they did so in response to His command victory was theirs. This time, however, the circumstances were different. . . . [The Israelites] went forth into battle, not in humble faith trusting in God, but with pride in their own cleverness and power. When God was with them no enemy could stand before them; when He was not, defeat was certain.” Neither God nor His recognized prophet Samuel was consulted before the armies of Israel marched. Things immediately went wrong for Israel.

The Philistines attacked with great ferocity, and four thousand Israelites were slaughtered on the battlefield. Anciently, when a nation met with defeat in battle, it was believed “their gods were angry with them and should be more earnestly placated to avoid worse afflictions in the future. Considering the low religious condition of Israel at this time, it is little wonder that Israel had much the same attitude toward the Lord. . . . Probably past victories during Eli’s judgeship had led to a feeling of self-confidence that blinded their eyes to their need of God. Because the leaders had willfully forsaken Him for the gods of the nations about them, God could do nothing but permit them to reap the harvest of their own seed sowing.” Samuel had been empowered by God to be Israel’s judge, prophet, and priest. His insight and resolve had thus far preserved Israel from destruction. Yet the elders felt no need to seek his counsel regarding their current course of action. This was a fatal mistake.

They would soon make an even greater mistake, resulting in a horrific loss. Refusing to consult with God before making important decisions often leads to disaster.