1 Samuel 5:1–6; 6:11–16

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Worthy

1 Samuel 5:1–6; 6:11–16

The Holy God (5:1–5)

In Chapter 4, the Philistines capture the Ark of God and Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, die in battle. Upon hearing the news, “Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died” (4:18). With that, God fulfills the promised judgment on Eli’s family (3:10–14).

The Philistines then place the Ark in the temple of Dagon (vv. 1–2). In no way would God allow the Ark to be placed next to a false god in a false temple. The Ark was a symbol of the presence of the one, true God. There is no other god that can stand in the presence of the God of the universe, the One who created the heavens and the earth. This is symbolized in how on two occasions the Philistines wake up to Dagon having fallen face down before the Ark, the second time with his head and his hands having been cut off (vv. 3–5). 

This event also shows that we are not to worship God alongside false gods. He is the only one worthy of our worship. He is the true God of the universe, the One who took on flesh, died and rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is the one before whom all will “bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11). 

We either worship Him alone now or when He descends from heaven we, like Dagon, will fall prostrate before Him and be judged. 

Judgment Experienced (5:6)

Because the Philistines failed to worship God, He afflicted the area of Ashdod with tumors (v. 6). But opposed to repenting of their idol worship, the men of Ashdod decided the Ark must not remain among them, for God’s hand was against them and Dagon their god (v. 7). God continued to inflict punishment wherever the Ark was moved until the Philistines finally decided to return the Ark to Israel (vv. 8–12). 

In God’s dealings with the Philistines, we see that the failure to worship the God of the Bible only brings death and judgment. 

Instructions Followed and Worship Offered (6:11–16)

After receiving instructions, the Philistines returned the Ark to the Israelites (vv. 10–12). When the Ark arrived, the Israelites rejoiced and worshipped God by offering sacrifices and burnt offerings. 

First Samuel 6 provides a valuable lesson: there is only one God, the God of the Israelites. 

Understanding this text in the larger story of the Bible, we see that the God of Israel is the same God who became man to save sinners. 

As the Gospel authors so carefully argue, He is Yahweh in the flesh. It is only by worshipping Him that we have life. Worshipping any other god only brings judgment and death. 

You also cannot add Jesus to your pantheon of gods. He is not one among many gods. He is the only God. 

When you believe in Jesus, you leave behind your idolatrous past and misconceptions about a god that you have fashioned in your own image, and stand in awe of the One who created you and now has saved you. Only He is worthy of praise. Only He is worthy of our worship.