1 Samuel Chapter 6 Chronological Bibe Study of David Post 8

This story continues with the Philistines in a quandary about what to do with the Jewish "Ark of the Covenant".   The ancients believed that their gods played a role in their victories or losses in battle.  The "Ark" was a spoil of war, but when they tried to degrade the God of Israel, by bringing it into their Temple of Dagon, the people would find the image of Dagon lying down on his face before the "Ark".   Not only did this happen, but the city and outlaying area around the city was infected with boils and mice.  The people demanded the "Ark" to be taken out of their city.  When this story was acted out in three of the five city-states that made up the Kingdom of the Philistines, they decided to get rid of the "Ark".  The Philistine leadership was not sure that the "Ark" caused the pestilence or was it coincidence?  But how to prove it??  This was the dilemma, they asked their wisemen for an answer.  They decided to look at how the God of Israel had shown His Power over the Egyptians, they believed they need to make an appeasement offering to the God of Israel, for taking the "Ark".  But what??  They decided to make gold images of the boils and mice to go with the "Ark".  The Philistines placed the "Ark" on a wagon and had two milk cows that had never been yoked to pull the "Ark".  These cows had given birth recently, they were separated from their calves.  This was done to make sure that the "Ark", if it wanted could go back to Israel or not; without any outside help.  A group of members of the Philistine leadership would follow the "Ark" and see where it goes.

The "Ark" made its way directly back to Israel.  It is very easy for us to read these stories, and not think what they have to do with us.  I taught these stories, without thinking of what they mean today.  We think we are so smart, with all the technology we have today.  But inside we are still the same people.  The Philistines knew that the "Ark" could not stay with them, but how to get rid of it??  Notice the "Ark" of God showed the Philistines, that the God of Israel was the only True God!  The Philistines acknowledged this by making the appeasement offering and sending it with the "Ark"; but yet they continued with their idol worship.  How many times has God made Himself real to you, and you still refuse to believe in Him??  This seems to be very strong in our human condition.  We will see the Israelites also will have trouble treating God with the respect He deserves.  This is the same struggle all of us have to deal with.  Can you just learn about God without trying to follow Him??  Can you really go back to how you were after you have met God??  Will you follow, or be like the Philistines??  It is up to you!!