1. Dagon falls on his face (1-5)

At first the Philistines were happy that they had captured the ark. They placed it in the temple of their god, Dagon. They treated the ark as just another one of their idols, or another good luck charm. The Lord is not an idol. Whenever the Philistines went into the temple, they found Dagon fallen before the ark of God until his head and hands were broken and only his body remained. Only the Lord is God, and he alone must be worshiped.

2. God's hand among the Philistines (6-12)

The Lord's hand was heavy among the Philistines. Wherever they took the ark, that place was afflicted with devastation and illness. Finally when they sent it to Ekron the people protested, "Send the ark of the god of Israel away." The Lord is the only God, and he is to be worshiped. His presence is a blessing for those who offer themselves to him, but his hand is heavy on those who worship idols.