Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Ark Battles Alone Read 1 Samuel 5:1-12 When the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, "The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god." 1 Samuel 5:7 If even an inanimate holy object like the Ark of the Covenant can stand safely in enemy territory, surely human beings can be assured of God’s protection. When the Israelites were defeated by the Philistine army, they were so fearful that they called for the Ark of their covenant with God for moral support. When they heard of its presence in the Israelite camp, the Philistines in turn became fearful, remembering it as the ‘god’ who had “struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert” (4:7). This made them fight all the harder and eventually they even managed to capture the Ark. Now the battle really begins. By the power of God, the Ark went on the offensive. The first point of attack was spiritual. The Philistine god Dagon fell face down before the Ark twice and broke its head and arms. The next was physical attack. A plague of tumors caused by mice infected all the people in the Philistine cities of Ashdod and Gath. The psychological fear became too great and the five kings had to make emergency plans to return the Ark to Israel. There was no other way. They did not even dare think of the option of destroying it, lest evil should continue to befall them. 'No never alone, no never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.' Pray for all in solitary confinement such as hostages, persecuted Christians and even those with communicable diseases who must feel helpless and alone.