1 Samuel - The Coming King Sýnishorn

In these chapters of 1 Samuel we’re learning just how holy the God of Israel is: ‘Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?’ (6:20). The Philistines are learning this to their cost. Their defeat of Israel in chapter 5 proved to be a very hollow victory, as God’s holy ark brought devastating judgment upon them. 

In verses 3–12 we see the Philistines’ sad confusion as they try to deal with a holy God. They recognise that they’re under judgment in some way (v. 3) and that God is holding them to account (v. 6), but they don’t know how their guilt should be dealt with (v. 4). The best they can do is to make an offering (v. 4) – one that God clearly doesn’t want with a vague hope that it might all work out in the end (v. 5). Human religion, to the extent that it knows God as holy, always tries to manage his holiness with its own efforts and offerings. Such religion can only see God as a Judge to be escaped from because it doesn’t know how to come before him. Reading this, we can’t help but see what a privilege it is to have had the gospel preached and explained to us! 

However, God’s holiness isn’t just a problem for the pagan Philistines. In verses 6:13 – 7:1 we see presumption amongst those who belong to God. Initially, the return of the ark brings an exciting revival as God’s people in Beth Shemesh offer him right worship. Notice, ironically, how it’s the accompanying cart and cattle, not the offered tumours and rats, that provide the right way of coming before a holy God. Yet, the people’s worship proves fatal as they too become casual with the holy ark in verse 19. This time it’s Israelites, not Philistines, who are struck down. 

So, as we come to our holy God, let’s make sure that we’re walking by faith in Christ’s death, and not with presumption. And, as we rejoice in having free access through Jesus, let’s respect and remember the awesome holiness of the God we worship.

REFLECTION

1. Why can’t human religion make us fit to come before our holy God?

2. What might tempt us to presumption as we come before our holy God?