by SRBichara from www.sxc.hu
“Ichabod”
Now that is a name for you! You likely thought of the character Ichabod Crane in the fictional classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” by Washington Irving. He was a skinny schoolteacher who loved to gorge himself on food and was excessively superstitious.
Yet the name is actually a Biblical name. It is only found twice in the Bible (1 Sam. 4:21, 1 Sam. 14:3).
It is really a touching story that gives the reader a powerful personal question?
Read the text:
“Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law [Eli – JK] and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”” (1 Samuel 4:19–22 ESV)
The inspired writer does not get overly engrossed in this sad story of a woman dying during child-birth but rather focuses upon her faith and words. Here she is dying, yet she is not concerned about having a son (v. 20).
But her concern and heartbreak came from the ark of the covenant being captured by the Philistines. The ark, which was the physical presence of God with HIs people, had been stolen. The covenant was in shambles. Israel had lost their highest possession. Their glory had departed. So as she was dying, she named her son Ichabod (Literally – “no glory”) giving the explanation, “The glory has departed from Israel.”
This lady demonstrates the powerful truth that our priorities are often exposed during the times of loss, sorrow, and trial. Her heart is laid bare and we see a woman who valued the ark of the covenant more than her life. Her heart broke that the glory of God had departed Israel. She was a woman concerned with God’s glory and honor.
The question this text wants us to ask is . . . .
Do I value the glory of God over my own life and the lives of my family?
I hope the name Ichabod got you thinking about what you value and prioritize in your own life.
May all of us say with Jesus when this life is over, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4).
