Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

When the Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant back to their land, God was furious. He smashed their idol of Dagon and gave people tumors wherever the ark was taken.

What does it mean?

The Ark of the Covenant was a special place for God’s presence to live among His people. It belonged in the Holy of Holies—a room in the inner part of the tabernacle. When the Philistines took the ark among the spoils of battle, they thought of it as just another religious artifact. God became angry that His ark was dishonored among the Philistines when they put it beside an idol in the temple of Dagon, their god. God doesn’t want to be treated like just another god because He is the one true living God, who was not made by human hands but is Himself the Creator of all things everywhere.

How should I respond?

Just as the idol Dagon fell before the Ark of the Covenant, so God desires that all of our own idols would fall apart before his presence. The Israelites' and the Philistines' disregard for God and his presence led to severe consequences. In the same way, when we disregard God we often face terrible consequences. But God, who is rich in steadfast love and abounding in mercy, is always willing to bring us back to him. What idols are competing with God in your life? Are you placing ultimate value and security in a career, a bank account, a spouse, or a position? Not only will those things never provide the satisfaction we crave, but ultimately they will lead to destruction.