Bible Verse Synopsis 5-20-25
1st Samuel 5:
The Philistines took the Ark to their town called Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon, their national god. They had a statue of Dagon there right next to the place they set the Ark. The heathen understood that because they had won victory their god was greater than God. On the 2nd day of the return from battle, when they arose from their slumber, Dagon’s statue had fallen over with his face down to the Ark. They set Dagon back in place. Apparently thinking nothing of it. Yet again Dagon was put on the ground except this time his hands and head were cut off and only the stump of Dagon was left. This demonstrates God’s power over all things and that this demon god was worthless in the face of Him. Verse 5-“Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any who come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.” The Philistines recognized how meek their God was and how strong God was. This is a reminder to us of God’s power over the entire world. What other signs do you see in the world of God’s power? Do these signs relate to God or relate to man?
God gave these men skin tumors and smote them. “But the Hand of the Lore was heavy into them…” - Verse 6. With the realization of the Ark as over their God and the tumors, they desired to remove the Ark from their midst. Are we like the Philistines and desire to remove God from our midst or are we above that and welcome Him? The Philistines believed if they moved the Ark they would be safe from God. “… Let us move the Ark of the God of Israel be carried unto Gath.” - Verse 8. The Lord continues to punish the Philistines and brings a “very great destruction” - Verse 9 unto the men of the city. Tumors both small and large. There was no outrunning the God of Israel. We should recognize that God is everywhere always and sees us. We cannot get away from God no matter what we do. He always sees us. We can ignore Him, but he is omnipresent. Where are we finding the Lord in our lives? Are we being punished for our behavior or are we saved by Grace? Did you run from Him like the Philistines?
The Ark was then sent to Ekron, in Philistine. “The Ekronites cried out saying, They have brought about the Ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people.” - Verse 10. The Philistines continue to confuse me. They recognize the power of God, but they do little to obey or seek Him. All they want to do is get rid of the Ark. The Ark was set to return to Israel to avoid this pain and suffering. Have we ever been here in our faith journey? Knowing that God is in control but not submitting to Him? Why does avoidance seem like the theme here? Eli avoided his duty to the Temple and now the Philisitines avoid the call of God. Are we avoiding His call?? ☎️