Why did the Israelites lose, when they had the ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 4:5, 7, 10)?
The Israelites had a lot to learn about God. He was bigger than the box which symbolized his presence. They could not enhance their fortunes by trying to cart him around like a good luck charm. Having the ark didn’t mean God was on their side. The more important issue was whether they were on God’s side. In this case, God’s presence meant judgment rather than blessing.
