Samuel was from the Tribe of Ephraim, and was a major prophet, defacto High Priest (because he grew up in the Tabernacle), and the last judge. Israel was under oppression from a new threat. The Philistines had colonized the southwestern coast of Israel just a couple of generations before. They represented a civilization that was spread across the Aegean and as far east as Cyprus. They had one primary advantage over Israel in having learned to make and use iron weapons, while Israel was still in the Bronze Age. They were also some of the hardest boozing people in that part of the world.
Israel had paid them tribute for quite some time. There had been one incident in battle where Israel’s army foolishly brought out the Ark of God from the Tabernacle at Shiloh. After losing it in the battle, the Philistines were sorely afflicted until they returned it. The Ark rested for two more decades in Kiriath-jearim, which we believe is a town some 7 miles west of Jerusalem. The text tells us that Israel began longing for Jehovah again.
So our narrative begins with Samuel issuing a call to Israel to restore the Covenant and put away their idols. This they did, and Samuel called them to worship at Mizpah (Heb. “tower”). While there are five different places with that name in Palestine, we believe it was the one rather close to and just south of Bethel. They had a time of fasting and offerings there. Naturally, everyone showed up with their weapons, since they were under threat.
The Five Lords of the Philistines noticed this armed gathering and assumed the worst. They mobilized for a quick strike, because it appeared their vassals were worshiping to curry the favor of their God before going to battle. So as this force began approaching Mizpah across the plains, lookouts could see the movements and quickly reported via runners to the leadership gathered in the hills. The elders called on Samuel to redouble his efforts to gain Jehovah’s favor on their behalf.
As the Philistine army got close enough to form for battle, the Lord struck them with some awful noise that shattered their confidence. It served as a signal for Israel to attack in force. The Philistines fled and many were cut down on the slopes before they even got to the plains. Samuel then erected a stone memorial marker and named it Ebenezer (Heb. “stone of help”).
The Philistines removed their troops from the captive cities held hostage in the borderlands with Israel. They never came back to trouble Israel during Samuel’s life time. The chapter ends with an overview of how Samuel worked hard to keep Israel faithful.
I know Indiana Jones is just for fun, but I like the idea of the ark killing people who want to use it for selfish, worldly gain.
But it’s wholly unlikely to be buried in Egypt somewhere.