Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 4:19-22

"And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas` wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and brought forth; for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast brought forth a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel; because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel; for the ark of God is taken." — 1 Samuel 4:19-22 (ASV)

The wife of Phinehas seems to have been a person of piety. Her dying regret was for the loss of the ark and the departure of the glory from Israel.

What is any earthly joy to her who feels herself dying? No joy but that which is spiritual and divine will be of any value then; death is too serious a thing to allow for the enjoyment of any earthly joy.

What is it to one who is lamenting the loss of the ark? What pleasure can we take in our creature comforts and enjoyments if we lack God's word and ordinances; especially if we lack the comfort of His gracious presence and the light of His countenance?

If God goes, the glory goes, and all good goes. Woe to us if He departs! But though the glory is withdrawn from one sinful nation, city, or village after another, yet it shall never depart altogether, but shines forth in one place when eclipsed in another.