Locations of the Ark’s Journey 4:3 Why has the LORD defeated us. The question of the elders reflected their knowledge that the Lord both fought their battles (2:10; 17:47) and allowed their defeat. To be defeated clearly meant that God was not “with” them (Num. 14:42; Deut. 1:42). Instead of inquiring of the Lord for direction, they proceeded to take the matter into their own hands. Let us bring the ark. The ark symbolized the presence and power of the Lord. Yet, Israel treated it like a good-luck