Holiness and Power

Facing an attack from the Philistines, the Israelites assumed that victory could be guaranteed if they brought the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle. But to their surprise, they were defeated by the Philistines, who then captured the ark.

The victorious Philistines placed the Ark in the temple of their god, Dagon, only to find that Dagon had “fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord” (1 Samuel 5:6). The next day, the head and hands of this idol had been broken off. Then tumors began spreading throughout the land. They concluded that they had no choice but to return the Ark to Israel, accompanied by a very costly “guilt offering” (1 Samuel 6:3).

So the Philistines sent the Ark on a cart. When it reached the border town of Beth-shemesh, the people rejoiced and made an offering to God. But these Israelites, too, made false assumptions. In violation of God’s clear laws, some men looked into the Ark and were struck down. It was a horrible moment, and a painful lesson.

In different ways, both the Philistines and the Israelites learned that God was real, that He was holy and could not be manipulated, that His Word always was true, that He was the sovereign Lord with limitless power.

The Bible tells us that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Those who don’t fear Him become like fools. In our time, many people do not “fear the Lord.” But just like the Philistines and Israelites, all will learn that God is real. They, too, will ask, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?”

Today, humble yourself before our Mighty God. Don’t take Him for granted. Genuinely fear and honor Him. Commit your life to knowing and obeying His Word. Seek first His Kingdom.