1 Samuel 6

v. 5. The Philistines, who had no knowledge of God through the efforts of prophet or priest, knew they had to honor and respect God because of his display of power. Have we become too familiar with God so that we no longer honor him – or even recognize his display of power?

v. 9. I wonder if they expected the cows to return to their calves – thus proving God had not afflicted them. I bet they were again astonished by God as the cows left with the ark.

v. 20. Good question: “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this Holy God?” I wonder if we are just a bit arrogant with our standing and clapping and shouting at times when we should be in reverent awe kneeling with our faces on the floor before God.

1 Samuel 5

More Names:
· Ashdod – powerful
· Gath – wine press
· Ekron – torn up by the roots

v. 3. This just cracks me up! Here is the Philistine god, Dagon, forced down before the One True God in worship…and he can’t get back up! What kind of god falls down and needs human help to get back up? Not much of a god.

v. 4. Severed head and hands were battlefield trophies. So God was showing everyone that even on the enemies home turf, He was the victor.

v. 7. So instead of turning to the better God, the Philistines' answer to Dagon’s humiliation is to send God away. How about us? We see God at work – his correction / punishment or blessing. Instead of submitting to him, we refuse to take self off the throne and we send him a way. Maybe this was a little of what Peter was feeling when he told Jesus to depart from him because he was a sinner (Luke 5:8). Either Jesus has to go, or I have to get off the throne and recognize him as Lord.