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THE IDOL OF THE PHILISTINES DESTROYED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
1 Samuel 5

1 Kings 18:36-40

 

“LORD God of Abraham, Isaac,
and of Israel, let it be known this day

that thou art God in Israel…”

 

THE IDOL OF THE PHILISTINES DESTROYED
 
Israel knew of God’s command against idolatry, but because they forsook the Lord, they were then living in a confused spiritual condition. They had neglected the book of the Law. They were also an ignorant lot. When they did not heed the words of God, they relegated themselves to the same state as nations that did not know God. This was the reason that the Lord allowed their heathen enemies to have an upper hand.
 
The Philistines were excited in that initial victory over Israel. They were persuaded that their idol had assisted them. Since they were ignorant of the power and the superiority of the God of Israel, they were in a celebratory mood. They attributed their win to their idol. However, the God of Israel would show His superiority over Dagon and all idols. When the Philistines brought the Ark to their land, they placed it in the house of Dagon. As they awoke the following morning, Dagon had fallen down on its face without anyone touching it. So, the priests of Dagon restored it to its place. When they woke up the second morning, Dagon had fallen again and it was reduced to pieces beside the Ark. The priests of Dagon and they of Ashdod did not go anymore into the house of Dagon. They realised that it was an extraordinary power that had brought about the destruction of Dagon.
 
Another such contest is recorded in 1 Kings 18 between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Dagon was one of the many gods of the heathen nations. The Lord was able to vindicate Himself in the house of Dagon, and the priests of that shrine were put to flight. Every mention of idol worship in Israel ended up in the defeat of this false worship. This was because it was against God’s commandment and brought about stiff penalties. The Philistines knew a little about the truth of the Lord, but they did not seek to serve the God of Israel. They acknowledged His wonders, but they were not persuaded. The Lord had allowed them to take the Ark so that He could vindicate Himself.
 
THOUGHT: Idol worship is a denial of the true God.

PRAYER: Father, save my generation from idolatry.

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