1 Samuel 5 Commentary
The battle between Israel and the Philistines is ended. The Philistines emerge victoriously. Israel is left licking her wounds while burying her dead.
The Philistines take with them what they think is Israel’s defeated god – the revered Ark of the Covenant.
Events in this chapter are important for those engaged in spiritual warfare. Behind any physical battle is a spiritual battle. The Philistines have just won a physical battle, but they are not aware that the spiritual battle is still raging.
The LORD begins by dismembering their idol, Dagon. Secondly, people begin to suffer all sorts of ills. The LORD fights His own battles.
The Philistines surrender by shifting the problem away from one city to another. We have more casualties until the Philistines realize Israel’s god isn’t joking.
Wait a minute, what has happened? Are we talking about the same Ark? It was powerless in the hands of Hophni and Phinehas!
That’s how faith works. Wickedness drains the Presence of God of its power. On the other hand, righteousness empowers the Presence of God.
The prayer of the righteous avails much, while the prayer of the wicked may be their grave!
The worship of the Creator God is always serious business. Even mere objects of worship are important. It is a fact that the Philistines learn the hard way.
The Apostle Paul counseled the Corinthians on the importance of treating the Lord’s Supper with reverence. Negligence by some brethren led to catastrophic consequences. The Philistines can tell this story better.
We are particularly reminded to think of the God-things or act the God-things in the most respectful manner, as carelessness is always fatally punished.
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