1 Samuel 4 begins what is referred to as the Ark Cycle. The cycle begins with the loss of the Ark to the Philistines. The Israelites, having been originally defeated by the Philistines decide to bring the Ark to the battle. After initially being intimidated, the Philistines rally themselves to defeat the Israelites and kill thousands including Hophni and Phinehas, which confirms the Word of God.
Eli is brought word by a messenger and upon hearing that the Ark has been lost, he falls from his seat and dies. The emphasis in the story upon the loss of the Ark as being his cause of death as opposed to the death of his sons demonstrates the severity of such a sin. Yet, while Eli physically lost the Ark, it had been lost spiritually for a long time in Israel. The mere fact that Israel thought that the presence of the Ark would lead to victory as opposed to God going to battle with them, demonstrates how idolatry had seduced Israel. They no longer worshiped a living God but where willing to settle for an example of God.
Of course the Philistines find out quickly that the Ark is not a mere idol and that it is a mixed blessing. 1 Samuel 5 tells of the Philistine possession of the Ark and how the Ark "plays" with other idols and brings illness into the towns where it is placed. Finally the Philistines decide that it is not worth the trouble of keeping it as a war trophy and it is returned to Israel.
However, it will not be easy to just give away the Ark for the priests of the Philistines realize that they have been cursed by God and therefore need to make some sort of guilt offering. It is decided to create large gold tumors to reflect the tumors that they had been inflicted with as a means to assuage God. So as only God can do, God turns a bad experience into a blessing for Israel, for they receive these tokens as well as the Ark.
Evidently some in the town Beth-Shemesh offended the Ark and were put to death, so it was sent on to Kiriath-jearim, a town closer to Shiloh, which had been the heart of the cultic faith.
Mark 10
Chapter 10 opens with another demonstration of the difference between God's Will and the will of humanity. When Jesus is questioned about divorce, in his response, he points out a concession that Moses created for Israel since Moses believed them to be unable to live into God's commands. However, God's initial desire was for a husband and wife to be married and as such joined by God, that marriage could not be broken. So technically while it is legal under Mosaic tradition, it might not be okay to divorce under God's.
But this theme will not go away, the way of the world vs. the way of God. When the disciples attempted to keep the children from Jesus, they were reflecting a worldview in which little children had not rights and until were able to work, were considered without value. In such a state, the disciples did not think they had a right to see Jesus, but Jesus turns the table on the disciples. The disciples need to be like the children, not vice versa.
Perhaps the next couple of stories build up on this theme of being like children. Immediately, we encounter the rich man who desires to inherit eternal life, yet is unable to challenge himself to give up his possessions and follow Jesus. Yet, a child at this time has no possessions. Their one love in life is their parents and family.
After again telling the disciples about his death and resurrection, the disciples again seek to attain status, this time it is James and John seeking to be glorified. To seek glory and status is more of an adult way in life, a child simply enjoys being around friends and loved ones.
Finally the chapter is wrapped up in irony as the blind man, Bartimaeus, is able to see who Jesus is while the Pharisees and disciples still struggle with this knowledge. In addressing Jesus as Son of David, Bartimaeus is proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, he sees without seeing.
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