College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 5 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 5
The Ark in the temple of Dagon. The Philistines treated the Ark of the Lord as if it were a part of the spoils of war. Since they worshiped the false god, Dagon, they took the Ark to the temple of Dagon. It was installed there as a trophy of war and as a sign of the superiority of their god over the God of the Israelites.
The Ark in Gath. From the temple of Dagon in Ashdod, the Ark was carried to the city of Gath. This was one of the most important cities in Philistia and is famous in later times as the home of Goliath.
The Ark in Ekron. When an affliction from the Lord came on the inhabitants of Gath, they asked that the Ark be removed from their community. The men of Ekron were horrified when they saw the Ark had been brought to their city. They, too, asked to have it removed.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God alone is God. Men have invented many false gods for themselves. All of men's inventions are sheer folly, They are nothing more than the figment of their imaginations or the products of their hands. The prophet Isaiah described the folly of making graven images and molten idols (Isaiah 44:9-20). This foolishness is borne out in the activity in the house of Dagon, God demonstrated His superiority over the god of the Philistines by throwing down the image of Dagon.
2.
Sinners cannot escape from God. Though sinful men flee from God, their sins will find them out. Though they strive to drive God from their homes and communities, He will pursue them. The repeated afflictions in Philistia were sign enough that God was punishing the Philistines for their mishandling of the Ark.
CHAPTER 5 IN REVIEW
1.
To what city did the Philistines first take the ark?
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2.
Where did the Philistines put the ark?
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3.
What was the name of the Philistine god?
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4.
To what city was the ark taken next?
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5.
With what affliction did God smite the Philistine men?
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6.
To what Philistine city was the ark taken?
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7.
What happened to the Philistine idol during the first night?
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8.
What happened to the idol during the second night?
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9.
What other cities formed the Philistine pentapolis?
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10.
Which of the cities was nearest to Israel?
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