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 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.”
Comment: All is doom and gloom around Phinehas’ wife. Her despair is completely understandable and she would have been less than human if she hadn’t been distressed. Possibly she was at term but it reads as if the shock of everything precipitated her labour. Ichabod (what a name to bear throughout life!) is born. She seemed to have a deep religious aspect to her life because, in the midst of losing her husband and father-in-law, seems to have been the loss of the centre piece of the tent of meeting where God was seen as dwelling.
Prayer: Amidst our daily issues of life, help us to never forget You, O God.
As I read it! 