The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle. And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.”...So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.

What happened here? Wasn't it the failure of the Israelites to fear the LORD, God, the Almighty and place their trust in a symbol of Him? The very presence of the Ark would defeat the Philistines. Surprise!

Do I put my trust in symbols or orthopraxcy (correct rituals, liturgies, and practices)? Don't I need to be constantly examining the robustness of my fear of the LORD, God the Almighty?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 114

Mid-day: 119:33-40

Evening: Psalm 40

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.