Israel repeatedly rejected God’s lead and so once again he brought the Philistines to torment them. When Israel went to battle they were defeated before the Philistines. In the loss of ark of God’s covenant was captured by the Philistines. Probably the ruler of Ashdod had first laid hold of the ark which is why it was brought to that city. The day the ark arrived in Ashdod there must have been a shout of victory by the people; they had defeated Israel and their God. But God wasn’t done with the Philistines because of their arrogance toward him. First he humbled the image of their god. Then he began the process of humbling the people of Ashdod; painful tumors and a rodent infestation came against the people. Soon the victors realized that the battle was still being fought and they were losing. The brave men of Gath must have mocked those miserable warriors in Ashdod. They too mocked Israel’s God and took the ark into their city. Those leaders learned that courage and strength meant nothing to the God of Israel. Soon they fell to the same fate as their brothers in Ashdod. The leaders must have gathered together to discuss the situation, for next they chose Ekron as the “resting place” for this symbol of victory in battle over Israel. But the people of that city already knew the story about the ark. They rebelled against the leaders decision. Their chant was “Not I My Backyard.” This story is a lesson to modern people as well. God will not loose a battle. It may look like he is defeated but he never rests when his name is being mocked. The shouts of victory will soon turn into cries of pain and fear. We can stand fast in the truth that our God, who fought in similar fashion against the Philistines will continue to fight against any modern rebel.
It took me about 9 minutes to read the story of the ark in Philistine hands.
Stuart
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