Ichabod: When the Glory Departs

Many of you might not be familiar with the contents of 1 Samuel 4, but you have likely heard the name "Ichabod" before or of the Old Testament priest who fell back out of his chair and died. This passage describes the tragic events that led up to both of these items that have made their way into more popular culture. What made these events possible was the irreverence of the Israelites toward God, leading to their defeat against the Philistines and the theft of the Ark of the Covenant. A child born in the aftermath of these events was named "Ichabod", meaning "the glory has departed." All of this happened due to willful disrespect and disobedience toward God. It is important to read this passage to understand how real the consequences of irreverence toward God can be.