As Samuel was growing as a prophet and gaining influence, Israel suffered the loss of 4,000 men in a battle. The elders asked, “…’Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies.’” (3b, c). Though the elders asked the right question, they did not seek for God’s answer. Instead, they tried to bring God’s presence into their agenda to defend their cause. Rather than accept God’s correction, they sought to manipulate God’s presence. They failed to honor God’s manifest ruling presence. The cost was great. They were again defeated, fled to their tents, and this time 30,000 foot soldiers died. More importantly, “…the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.” (11). We must be cautious that we do not attempt to manipulate God’s presence to do our bidding! We should, rather, seek God for His directives and honor His ruling presence in our lives, families and His church.