1 Samuel: Chapter 5
The chapter deals with the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant and the LORD's disposition towards its captors.
Chapter Recap
As the dust of war and the shame of defeat settles heavily on Israel, and its judge meeting an unceremonious end, we follow the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred relic of Israelites, being carried away by the Philistines and set down as a mere trophy deep beyond enemy lines at Ashdod. Soon the Philistines found the LORD's hand heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, with death, destruction and devastation throughout the city. The people, tracing the calamities to the "ark of the god of Israel", and had it moved to the city of Gath. But soon after they had moved it, the LORD's hand was against that city, throwing it into a great panic, with both the young and old being afflicted. So the people of Gath, had it moved to Ekron. The people of Ekron, realizing the correlation between the plagues and the ark, called out to the rulers of the Philistines and begged them to send the ark back to Israel.
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| Replica of the Ark |
Israel
The Ark of the Covenant, stood as a testament for the covenant which the LORD made with Israel. The last chapter noted how the people saw it also as an object which could grant them victory just by being on the war field with them. However, we see a complete reversal here. There is not one mention of Israel following up on the ark's whereabouts, or striking up a deal with the Philistines to get it back. It seems almost as if they had just given up on it, or utterly decimated that they couldn't coalesce to ask the ark back. With the LORD showing Israel that without true repentance from their sin and apostasy, he wouldn't stand by their side in the previous chapter, here we see the LORD's dealing with those who took the ark, which was dedicated and sanctified in his name.
Philistines
There was no doubt a great jubilation back home for the Philistines. They fought with all their might, and overcame their enemies, whose past they knew all too well - particularly about their God who brought them out of Egypt with mighty acts and miracles. But now they have not only defeated the descendants of those people, but they have also captured the Ark which was of great significance to them. The Philistines celebrated their triumph over Israel and their God.
The LORD however, showed them that they didn't win over Israel by their might, rather, they were allowed to win to teach the Israelites a lesson and to fulfil certain prophecies. Now, since that has come to past, the LORD acted and let the Philistines know that he was indeed zealous about objects sacred to him. And so came the plagues and tumors. Eventually, after two cities suffered, the Philistines grew wise to the cause of the calamities, and wanted to send the ark back to Israel.
So, what can we take away from this cautionary tale. First, the LORD is mighty and he doesn't need anyone to act on his behalf. So when he does ask us to do something on his behalf, it should be taken as a privilege and not an obligation. Second, often, the LORD might allow or employ someone for some specific cause, but treating that as a victory from self effort is never good.
"I know that you (LORD) can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2
Take care of yourselves and each other. See you in the next one!
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