Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torso was left of it. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor any who come into Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day. (vv.1-5)
Here we see the Philistines bringing the ark of God into the house of Dagon, their national god. No doubt, the Philistines were jubilant, and confident in the superiority of their god over the God of Israel. They faced the God of Israel in battle and believed their god Dagon delivered them and defeated Israel. Now, the ark of the covenant of Israel’s God stood as a trophy in the temple of their god Dagon. The victory seemed complete.
By way of reproach, the ark was placed at the feet of Dagon (as a trophy or spoil), to whom they gave credit for the victory. However when they (people, priests, worshippers) arose early the next day, they found Dagon had fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord; as if he was subject to it, and giving adoration to it. So they set it up again. This time when they returned the next morning their idol lay in a state of complete mutilation; its head and arms, severed from the trunk, were lying in distant and separate places, as if violently cast off (v.4 ).
Was this an accident? I think not. Not two days in a row. This demonstrates to us that that God will glorify Himself and that the kingdom of Satan will certainly fall on its face before the kingdom of God and of His Christ. When Christ, the true Ark of the covenant really enters the heart of fallen man (which is indeed Satan's temple), all idols will fall. And every endeavor to set them up again will be vain. For all who are in Christ are new creations.
Therefore, do not be like the Philistine priests who were unwilling to turn from their weak inferior god when confronted with the truth. Call upon Him while He is near for He is mighty to save. (see prayer "Connect with God" to the right on this page). God bless.
The Truth: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
