(4) So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
One might reasonably have thought that after the message of the man of God to Eli's house, no Israelite would anymore have put confidence in the ministry of his two sons, much less expect a blessing from God, when such profane hands were employed in bringing up the ark of God. But evil men, and seducers (saith an apostle) shall wax worse, and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13. Reader! pause with me over this passage, to remark, that when God ceaseth to punish, depend upon it destruction is at hand. If Ephraim is let alone, it is because he is joined to his idols. Hosea 4:17. Reader! I charge it both upon your heart and my own, to keep in view with the most solemn remembrance, that in all our troubles and visitations, we look out for the hand that smites, and watch over the heart that is smitten, for improvement under it. Doth the affliction, be it what it may, make me more prayerful? Am I more humble? more submissive? is Jesus more precious? Put it down as a never failing maxim, that no affliction is truly sanctified, until these effects are induced. Precious Jesus! do thou, in all our visitations, graciously make this the issue.