1 Samuel 5-7 Changing Times

Israel had become so disobedient that the Lord allowed the Philistines to take land and even capture the Ark of the Covenant.  But God would not allow any idol to be worshiped in His presence.  Their idol of Dagon fell before the Lord and lost its head and hands.  A plague of tumors and rats afflicted the inhabitants of each Philistine city where the Ark was moved, so that finally the enemy kings and priests devised a plan to “offer” to return the ark, while holding out the possibility of keeping it and the gold penalty offering they’d prepared, hoping that the new mother cows tasked to pull the cart carrying the Ark would stay near their new calves.  “The Lords of the Philistines didn’t know the true and living God, but the COWS did, and they obeyed Him,” my commentary said, leaving their newborn calves to deliver the Ark to Israel.

 

Over the following twenty years, the Israelites began to crave a monarchy “like the other nations”.  The old adage, “Everyone else gets to do it!” reared its ugly head.  They thought a king would solve their problems, but having their own way would lead them to more problems.  “God still gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him,” my commentary says.

 

Samuel, through his prayers and guidance, began to transition the people from judges to kings.  He led them to get their hearts right before God by putting away their false gods, confessing their sins, and praying for God’s help.  God stepped in to help when they did by causing a terrible thundering that confused an invading Philistine army, allowing the Israelites to slaughter them.  He didn’t need the Ark to accomplish victories, they would learn.

 

Father, often You have to get us to the bottom of a well before we will look up and see just how far we’ve moved from You.  Yet in Your longsuffering and lovingkindness You work to change our hearts and bring us back to You.  Thank You for not giving up on me!

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford