“When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again. But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.” – 1 Samuel 5:3-4
“Now the hand of the Lord was heavy on the Ashdodites …” – 1 Samuel 5:6
“… the hand of the Lord was against the city …” – 1 Samuel 5:9
“… the hand of God was very heavy there.” – 1 Samuel 5:11
As I’m reading 1 Samuel I came across what is perhaps one of the funniest and most interesting events in Old Testament Jewish history. The Israelites are in one of their “down” modes where they’re not exactly living in God’s will (ever been there?). In a nutshell, their arch-enemy, the Philistines, defeat them and capture the ark of God. The Philistines bring the ark to their capital Ashdod and set it in front of their main god Dagon (who was the father of Baal!). They wake up the next morning and Dagon has fallen prostrate before the ark as if to worship the God of the Israelites! Thinking it was a fluke the Philistines quickly re-erect Dagon. The next morning they arise to find that not only has Dagon fallen prostrate again, but he’s lost his head and hands!
Now, look closely at the next few scriptures that follow, specifically 1 Samuel 5:6-12. Count how many times the Lord’s “hand” moved against the Philistines. Three times, a Hebrew number signifying completeness. It’s as if God was saying, “Dagon’s hands were disabled so you could watch Me use my hands (or power).”
I also don’t think it’s coincidental that not too far off in the future a young Israelite boy, being obedient to God, slays another “god” of the Philistine’s, a giant called Goliath, and cuts his head off.
So, what’s the underlying theme of 1 Samuel 5:1-12? I think it’s glaringly obvious … no human can control or manipulate God. For God is God … He always has been and always will be. He is the Great I Am! He deserves our respect and worship. Are you giving it to Him or trying to manipulate Him?
In Christ,
Dave
Questions to Ponder:
- Why was the ark of God allowed to be captured by the Philistines in the 1st place? Did it have anything to do with the Israelites disobedience towards God?
- What was the message God sent to the Philistines, a lost and pagan nation?
- What “Dagon” do you have in your life that needs to be submitted to the Lord? Is your “Dagon” still standing with God placed at its feet?
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