Dagan and others fall before the Ark of the Covenant

The Lord does not show partiality to those who disregard His holiness. The Philistines and the Israelites both suffered loss due to a lack of reverence for the presence of the LORD. May we do more than just pray “Hallowed be Your Name”, but actually live it out.

1 Samuel 5: The Philistines and the Ark

1 When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon.

3 And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place.

4 But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold. Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.

5 This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.

6 The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumours, both Ashdod and its territory.

7 And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for his hand is hard against us and against Dagon our god."

8 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath." So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there.

9 But after they had brought it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumours broke out on them.

10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as soon as the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, "They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our people."

11 They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people." For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there.

12 The men who did not die were struck with tumours, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

1 Samuel 6: The Ark Returned to Israel

1 The ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.

2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place."

3 They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you."

4 And they said, "What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?" They answered, "Five golden tumours and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords.

5 So you must make images of your tumours and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land.

6 Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed?

7 Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milk cows on which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them.

8 And take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off and let it go its way

9 and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence."

10 The men did so, and took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home.

11 And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumours.

12 And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh.

13 Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.

14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.

15 And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD.

16 And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron.

17 These are the golden tumours that the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron,

18 and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both fortified cities and unwalled villages. The great stone beside which they set down the ark of the LORD is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.

19 And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the LORD. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great blow.

20 Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, "Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?"

21 So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you."

Things to think about…

1. The ark of the covenant did not save Israel from the Philistines and now that the ark is in the hands of the Philistines the Lord shows his power before their god Dagan, 1 Sam 5:1-7. Just as this idol fell down so will every knee bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord. Is the Lord’s power making the gods of this world fall? It certainly doesn’t seem to be the case. Having churches in every city does not automatically invoke the Lord’s presence or blessing. The Holy Spirit and a life resigned to His world is where His power dwells.

2. In 1 Sam 5:8-12 the ark is foolishly taken to Ekron after it afflicts the inhabitants of Gath with tumours. Ekron suffers the same fate. Look at 1 Sam 5:12 “the cry of the city went up to heaven”. The Lord looks at the affliction even of those who don’t know Him. The Philistines show repentance and reverence. It’s only when people are brought low that they consider a world outside themselves. What are you praying for, for your fellow Australians? Pray that the Lord’s people may set their faces towards Him and we see Jesus getting the glory as the Saviour over sin. May we see deliverance of the power of oppression by the Russians upon the Romanians. Many prayers have been offered up and will be answered in this space.

3. It seems tumours or boils weren’t the only things that afflicted the Philistines. A plague of mice seems to have occurred as well over the seven months the ark was in Philistine hands. Two cattle that had never been yoked, were with calves and had to head uphill. This was a test to see whether they were doing the right thing or whether the plagues and tumours were a coincidence. The cows did what was unnatural and went uphill towards the Israelite town of Beth-shemesh away from their calves, 1 Sam 6:1-12. Have you ever seen the Lord work in a way that is contrary to logic or reason to confirm His power? Share your story today! You might convert someone who is presently outside of Christ.

4. The Philistines seem to have been more discerning than the Egyptians who hardened themselves to the Lord’s judgements years before. These Philistines reflect on this in 1 Sam 6:6 “Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them,”. Note that they did not die when they placed the ark on the cart. They were not priests and were unlikely to know the handling requirements. Their heart was to honour the Lord with the knowledge they had by returning the ark accompanied by gifts of gold. What a blessing it is when we do not repeat the mistakes of the past but in fact learn from them. This is sadly something the Russian president is failing to see in our day.

5. The cows go by the way of Beth-shemesh confirming that nothing happens by coincidence, 1 Sam 6:8. This is still true today. Nothing happens outside the Lord’s hand over even a sparrow failing to the ground, Luke 12:6,7. We are of more value and He ordains all things for our good because of His amazing love over us.

6. These foolish men of Beth-shemesh ignore everything they knew about the ark of the covenant and foolishly tried to look into the ark, 1Sam 6:19. As such seventy of their men died. Is God unjust here? We know years later Uzziah would lose his life for a far more noble cause when he tried to stop the ark from falling from the cart after the oxen had stumbled. God is holy, we cannot think there are no consequences for disobeying His laws. What is the case for the Christian? Are we free to break the laws of Christ? Are there consequences for doing so if our sins are fully forgiven? There are many NT examples that point to this not being the case. Even though Paul says for the Christian “"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful., 1Cor 10:23” we should consider his advice to the same church where in the next chapter where he says “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died”, 1Cor 11:30. This was due to the wilful sin of the Corinthians against God’s revealed will. When the people of God go against what they know the Lord’s rebuke will always follow.

7. The ark is asked by the men of Beth-shemesh to be removed to Kiriath-jearim, 1 Sam 6:21. It does return there and stays for 60 years until David takes it to Jerusalem.

Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays

CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.

Sunday’s sermon “What’s up with Babylon” – reading Jeremiah 51:1-12

1. Babylon was the destroying nation. It was the instrument in the Lord’s hands to judge nations and cities, including Jerusalem. Babylon would be judged. Do you recall how this would happen?

2. Daniel’s writing on the wall was the sign, time was up for the Babylonians. What do you remember of Babylon’s history from the earliest day until the end of the kingdom.

3. Jerusalem would also be judged by the Babylonians. What do you remember of Jerusalem’s history?

4. Jeremiah and the Apostle John have many similar prophecies about the final states of Babylon and Jerusalem. Can you recall what you know of these events and how they will come about?

5. Pray for each other, for those cleaning up after the flood and the Ukraine situation.

Prayer Points

1. Pray for the flood clean-up and all those affected a second and third time round.

2. Sally Gauntlett has been admitted to care. Please pray for Richard and the family through this challenging time.

3. Ross Goltz is in constant pain. Has constant hip and joint pain. Seeking specialist help. Please pray for relief.

4. Families that have just started attending CBC.

5. Ukraine to repel Russia and peace to come.

6. Christ to be seen through us in our community.

7. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.

8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.

Praise Points

1. The flood waters continue retreating and we have another fine day.

2. Ukraine seems to be resisting Russia well. Pray for the Lord’s resolve and peace.

3. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord

4. Covid restrictions being lifted this Friday – no masks.

Announcements

1. Cell groups back. A new cell group has started at the church for residents around Karalee. Wed 7pm at church.

2. Kidz@Church every Sunday

3. Members Meeting was postponed after many unable to attend church. New date TBA.

4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1

5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.

Catechism question for March...

Q. 1. Did Christ remain in the grave after his crucifixion?
A. No; he rose from the grave on the third day after his death.

Bible Reference – Luke. 24:45-47; 1Cor.15:3&4.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3

Pastor Jay

Jay Beatty2 March 2022

Dagan and others fall before the Ark of the Covenant

The Lord does not show partiality to those who disregard His holiness. The Philistines and the Israelites both suffered loss due to a lack of reverence for the presence of the LORD. May we do more than just pray “Hallowed be Your Name”, but actually live it out.

1 Samuel 5: The Philistines and the Ark

1 When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon.

3 And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place.

4 But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold. Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.

5 This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.

6 The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumours, both Ashdod and its territory.

7 And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for his hand is hard against us and against Dagon our god."

8 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath." So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there.

9 But after they had brought it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumours broke out on them.

10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as soon as the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, "They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our people."

12 The men who did not die were struck with tumours, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

1 Samuel 6: The Ark Returned to Israel

1 The ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.

2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place."

3 They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you."

4 And they said, "What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?" They answered, "Five golden tumours and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords.

5 So you must make images of your tumours and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land.

6 Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed?

7 Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milk cows on which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them.

8 And take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off and let it go its way

9 and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence."

10 The men did so, and took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home.

11 And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumours.

12 And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh.

13 Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.

14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.

15 And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD.

16 And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron.

17 These are the golden tumours that the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron,

18 and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both fortified cities and unwalled villages. The great stone beside which they set down the ark of the LORD is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.

19 And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the LORD. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great blow.

20 Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, "Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?"

21 So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you."

Things to think about…

7. The ark is asked by the men of Beth-shemesh to be removed to Kiriath-jearim, 1 Sam 6:21. It does return there and stays for 60 years until David takes it to Jerusalem.

Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays

CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.

Sunday’s sermon “What’s up with Babylon” – reading Jeremiah 51:1-12

1. Babylon was the destroying nation. It was the instrument in the Lord’s hands to judge nations and cities, including Jerusalem. Babylon would be judged. Do you recall how this would happen?

2. Daniel’s writing on the wall was the sign, time was up for the Babylonians. What do you remember of Babylon’s history from the earliest day until the end of the kingdom.

3. Jerusalem would also be judged by the Babylonians. What do you remember of Jerusalem’s history?

4. Jeremiah and the Apostle John have many similar prophecies about the final states of Babylon and Jerusalem. Can you recall what you know of these events and how they will come about?

5. Pray for each other, for those cleaning up after the flood and the Ukraine situation.

Prayer Points

1. Pray for the flood clean-up and all those affected a second and third time round.

2. Sally Gauntlett has been admitted to care. Please pray for Richard and the family through this challenging time.

3. Ross Goltz is in constant pain. Has constant hip and joint pain. Seeking specialist help. Please pray for relief.

4. Families that have just started attending CBC.

5. Ukraine to repel Russia and peace to come.

6. Christ to be seen through us in our community.

7. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.

8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.

Praise Points

1. The flood waters continue retreating and we have another fine day.

2. Ukraine seems to be resisting Russia well. Pray for the Lord’s resolve and peace.

3. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord

4. Covid restrictions being lifted this Friday – no masks.

Announcements

1. Cell groups back. A new cell group has started at the church for residents around Karalee. Wed 7pm at church.

2. Kidz@Church every Sunday

3. Members Meeting was postponed after many unable to attend church. New date TBA.

4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1

5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.

Catechism question for March...

Q. 1. Did Christ remain in the grave after his crucifixion? A. No; he rose from the grave on the third day after his death.

Bible Reference – Luke. 24:45-47; 1Cor.15:3&4.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3

Pastor Jay

Q. 1. Did Christ remain in the grave after his crucifixion?
A. No; he rose from the grave on the third day after his death.