The Philistines then drew up in battle formation against Israel.
After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines,
who slew about four thousand men on the battlefield.
When the troops retired to the camp, the elders of Israel said
“Why has the LORD permitted us to be defeated today
by the Philistines?
A friend asked me about the biblical story of the Pharaoh's catastrophic defeat. "Why would God kill all those Egyptian soldiers who were only obeying orders? Did they go to hell?" He doubted the justice of God if he should prefer one nation over another, even to the extent of destroying their enemies. My friend was not familiar with the Israelite defeat in today's first reading.
The authors of First and Second Samuel didn't suffer those scruples. They understood that God had chosen the descendants of Abraham as his holy people; and, as the light of all nations. They are destined to reveal God's authority, justice, and mercy to the nations. Obviously, they could not complete that mission if they were destroyed by an Egyptian, Philistine, Assyrian, Babylonian, or Roman army.
But, as the divine authors knew, neither should they assume that God will support their ungrateful sense of entitlement. God is no one's servant. He cannot be used, conned, manipulated, or forced into a situation where he must act to save anyone. When the Israelites use the Ark of the Covenant as a magic charm, thinking that God will not allow himself to be captured by the Philistines, they suffer the loss of many soldiers plus the Ark. And when the LORD decides he will return to the Israelite camp, two milk cows return it, apparently mooing God's praises as they go. What could be less warlike than a milk cow?
Today's Catholic religion must be instructed by the faith of our ancestors; it cannot be recast or rewritten to suit the ignorance of our time. To understand more of God's ways, my friend will have to take up a serious study of the Bible and the history of ancient Israel, along with a deeper exploration of our faith and its traditions.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.