Ichabod: Where Is The Glory? Series

2. The Misuse of the Ark:

However, as we've previously discussed, the Ark's significance was gravely misunderstood and misused by the people of Israel during the time of Hophni and Phinehas. Instead of treating it with reverence and awe, they saw it as a magical object capable of ensuring victory in battle.

In Leviticus 10:1-3, we read about the tragic consequences of offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. This account teaches us the importance of approaching God with the utmost reverence and obedience.

Likewise, in Numbers 4:15, we see that even the priests were not allowed to touch the holy things of the tabernacle without proper consecration, highlighting the seriousness of handling sacred objects.

The New Testament also warns us about the consequences of misusing holy things. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, the apostle Paul speaks about the need for self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper, stressing the importance of discerning the body and blood of Christ.

In light of these biblical principles, we can begin to understand the gravity of the situation when the Ark of the Covenant was taken into battle without regard for its holiness. It was a profound misstep that led to the name "Ichabod" being given to the child born on that day, signifying the departure of God's glory from Israel.

IV. Etymology of Ichabod:

In this part of our sermon, we will explore the profound significance of the name "Ichabod" and its connection to the story of God's glory departing from His people.

Here are some key points about Ichabod and the meaning of his name:

1. Etymology of Ichabod: The name Ichabod is made up of two Hebrew words: "I" and "chabod." The meaning of "I" is somewhat disputed. It can be interpreted as a simple negative ("not") or as a rhetorical question ("where?"). "Chabod" signifies "glory." So, Ichabod is commonly understood to mean "not glory" or "where is the glory?" Yairah Amit suggests that his name indicates "the fate of this newborn child who would have no parents, no grandfather and not even God, because even the glory has departed from the place".

2. Origin of the Name: Ichabod's mother gave him this name because of the circumstances surrounding his birth. According to the biblical account in 1 Samuel 4:21-22, Ichabod was born on the day when the Israelites' Ark of God was taken into Philistine captivity. His mother went into labor upon hearing the news that her husband and Eli (her father-in-law) had died and that the Ark had been captured. She used the name Ichabod to express that the glory of Israel had departed due to these events.

3. Symbolism: Ichabod's name serves as a symbolic representation of the spiritual and public loss that Israel experienced with the capture of the Ark. It reflects the despair and sorrow of the people at that time, signifying the absence of divine favor and glory.