The Philistines brought the ark of God to the city of Ashdod. They treated the ark as their war trophy and placed it in Dagon’s temple. Dagon was their national deity, and such placement represented Dagon’s victory over the god of Israel. However, the next day, they found Dagon had fallen face down. The following day, they found Dagon fallen with his head and hands broken off as if to symbolize God striking the god of Philistines. This event alone was enough to intimidate the Philistines. Yet, God was not done dealing with people who despised him.

The Lord punished the people of Ashdod, and they panicked as they suffered physical pain (9). They moved the ark to another city, Ekron. The people of Ekron were in great turmoil even before the plague hit them as well (10). Then the Philistines wanted to send the ark back to Israel (11).

The Lord demonstrated his power before the people who did not fear God. Also, he made it clear that Israel’s defeat in chapter 4 did not mean Dagon had superior power. No idol spares our lives against the wrath of God. Even family, friends, your own talent, or any amount of money cannot replace God in our lives. The Lord is the only true God worthy of our worship (1 Ki 18:36-37).
Application: Father, you are all powerful and in complete control. I fear none other than you.
One Word: Fear the Lord.