JEHOVAH EL QANNA DEFEATS DAGON

The Philistines, having captured the Ark of the Covenant, brought it into the temple of their god, Dagon, in Ashdod, one of the five major cities of the Philistines. Dagon was the chief deity in the Philistine religion, often associated with fertility and harvest. It was a statue, half man and half fish. They believed that Dagon was the father of Baal. Placing the Ark beside the statue of Dagon was a deliberate act to show that the God of Israel was now submitting to Dagon. But despite the Ark being captured, God remains sovereign and will demonstrate His power over all false gods and idols. The next day, they found Dagon on the ground, symbolic of Dagon’s submission and defeat before the Ark, which represented the presence and power of the God of Israel, Jehovah El Qanna. Foolishly, the Philistines return Dagon to its place. They try to maintain their religious beliefs despite the clear sign of their idol’s impotence, just like today, people resist acknowledging divine truth. This shows how useless it is to worship idols. Nobody can defeat God! God always wins! (1Sam 5:1-12; 6:1-21; 7:1,2)

“I have sworn [an oath] by Myself, The word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear [allegiance]” (Isa 45:23; AMP). God swears by Himself. This is the highest form of an oath. God is sovereign over all creation. Once God speaks, the Word is final, unchangeable and always accomplishes His desires and “succeeds in the purpose for which it was sent” (Isa 55:11). Lesson: we should preach God’s Word with confidence knowing that He is faithful to perform His Word. This is a fact: Every knee shall bow before God! All creation must submit to God’s authority. God’s Kingdom will ultimately prevail. Amen!

Early the next morning, the Philistine priests came to the shrine of Dagon. They were impatient to see what happened. But they were deeply disappointed. The image of Dagon was fallen again, prostrated before the Ark. The breaking of Dagon’s head and hands signifies the complete powerlessness and defeat of the idol. The threshold of a temple was considered a sacred boundary. The fact that Dagon’s head and hands were found on the threshold symbolize the desecration of the Philistine temple and the impotence of their god to protect it. Lessons: The fall of Dagon illustrates that no false god can stand before the true God. As believers, we need to totally trust God who defeats all opposition. God allowed His ark to be captured by the enemies because of the rebellion of His people. But God is totally in control even when the situation seems hopeless. We must trust and worship God alone!

The priests and the worshipers of Dagon refused to step on the threshold of Dagon’s shrine after the incident. It shows a superstitious fear and acknowledgment of the power of the God of Israel even after many years since the incident. The Philistines showed respect and feared Jehovah God, even if they did not worship Him. Lesson: God’s presence always causes chaos among the powers of darkness. We should always invite God in every situation, knowing that He has the power to transform everything for His own glory and for our good. This is a reminder that we the believers, should never take God’s presence for granted, should fear and honor the God of our salvation.

“But the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and He ravaged them and struck them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory” (1Sam 5:6). The hand of the Lord means power over His creation. The word “ravaged” means severe destruction. God punishes the Philistines for touching and disrespecting the Ark, a symbol of God’s presence among His people. The word “tumors” is the same as painful boils or hemorrhoids. Jehovah God is not only the God of Isreal, but He is the Creator and Judge of all. Lesson: This is a warning not to treat God’s things with disrespect. God’s presence brings blessing to those who honor it and judgment to those who dishonor Him.

“The LORD will strike you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed” (Deut 28:27). One of the curses of disobedience is painful sicknesses that doctors cannot cure. The boils of Egypt are God’s punishment on the Egyptians when they refused to submit to God. Because of the boils, the magicians could not stand on their feet before Moses (Exo9:9-11). The same punishment that God gave to the Egyptians, is now given to His people who are disobedient to Him. Only God can heal spiritual and physical ailments. The fact that no doctor can cure shows that God has removed His favor from His rebellious people. Nothing else than repentance can bring healing and peace. Under the law, obedience to God’s Word was followed by blessings and disobedience attracted curses. In Christ, we find redemption from the curse of the law, showing the importance of faith and grace in the New Covenant.

The Ark was captured by the Philistines because of Isreal’s disobedience. But despite their initial triumph, the Philistines quickly realized that the Ark was not a mere trophy but a source of divine judgment. The decision to remove the Ark shows the fear and respect that even pagan nations have for the God of Israel. They decided to move it to the next Philistine town, to test if the calamities will follow the Ark. They did not understand that the Ark is not just an object like their idols, but the dwelling place of Almighty God. They underestimated its significance. Lesson: God cannot be controlled or manipulated by men. He is sovereign overall!

The Philistines had five major city-states: Ashdod, Gath, Ekron, Ashkelon, and Gaza. They moved the Ark from Ashdod to Gath, which was the native city of the giant Goliath. The Ark caused great destruction and confusion even in Gath. All men in the city, rich and poor, old and young, were affected with an incurable painful disease. Next, they sent the ark of God to Ekron. The cry of the Ekronites shows that they recognized the power associated with the Ark, despite their lack of faith in the God of Israel. This fear is similar with the terror that fell upon the inhabitants of Jericho where the fame of God’s power preceded the Israelites (Josh 2:9-11). The Ark, a type of Christ, symbolizes God’s presence and the dual nature of His coming—bringing salvation to believers and judgment to those who reject Him. Selah!

Suffering terribly, the Philistines finally decided to send the Ark back to Israel, recognizing that it did not belong among them. They became afraid of Jehovah El Qanna. They saw that wherever the Ark goes among their cities, it brought deadly destruction and confusion to all. This shows God’s active role in the events, His authority and the consequences of opposing Him. The cries of the Philistines reached God, showing His awareness of human suffering, even among those who do not know Him. God is sovereign over all nations and attentive to the affairs of the world. Lesson: God responds to the outcry of suffering. God is a God’s justice. He is the judge of all Creation.

The rulers of the Philistines asked their priests on how to return the Ark of God back to Isreal. They now knew that the Ark is central to Israelite worship, representing God’s presence among His people. They knew that they have offended the God of Isreal. They decided to send it back to Isreal together with a trespass or guilt offering. According to the Law of Moses, the trespass or guilt offering is described in Leviticus 5. This offering was required when a person unintentionally violated some of the Lord’s holy things, anything that was dedicated to God, like the sanctuary, or the priests. These are some examples of trespasses: by mistake, a man eats the food of the priests, he makes a vow to God, and he forgets to perform it, eats the first-born animal from his own flock (because that one belongs to God). The offender must bring to God an unblemished ram and compensate the priests by adding 20% of its value in silver. The Philistines were not under the Mosaic Law. They tried their best to repent and ask forgiveness from the God of Isreal, so that the plague would end among them. They now knew that Jehovah God is holy and none should treat Him with disrespect. Recognizing their sins, the priests recommend that they bring an offering to Jehovah. It was made of five golden tumors, symbolizing their sicknesses and five golden rats, a symbol of destruction through poverty and famine in their land. Gold is an expensive metal showing their desire to honor Jehovah God. Lesson: When we sin against God or man, we must repent, forgive and do all we can to make peace with the offended person. The events demonstrate God controls all nations, not just Israel. This trespass offering point to Christ, who died to bring forgiveness to sinners and reconcile man to God.

The Philistines remembered what God did to Pharoah and the Egyptians when they opposed God and His people. They asked themselves: “why do you harden your hearts like Pharoah? He eventually let God’s people go!” This hardening is both a result of Pharaoh’s own choices and a divine judgment, illustrating the connection between human free will and divine sovereignty. The eventual release of the Israelites by Pharaoh shows the futility of resisting God’s will. Despite his initial stubbornness, Pharaoh ultimately capitulates to God’s demands. The Egyptians’ experience is a warning of the dangers of opposing God. Lesson: we must guard against hardening of our hearts towards God.

The Philistines’ use of a “new cart” signifies respect and reverence, ensuring that the cart was not previously used for ordinary purposes. This reflects the biblical principle of offering God the best and the first. Milk cows are cows that have recently had calves. These cows are typically not used for pulling carts. Cows that have never been yoked symbolize purity and a new beginning, like the unblemished animals required for sacrifices. This instruction was a test to see if the cows would act contrary to their nature. If they did, it would confirm that the calamities the Philistines experienced were indeed from the God of Israel. Separating the cows from their calves was a further test of divine intervention. Naturally, the cows would seek to return to their calves, but if they proceeded towards Israel, it would be a sign of God’s hand at work. This separation can also be seen as a type of sacrifice, where something valuable is given up for a greater purpose, ultimately pointing to Christ’s sacrifice. Lesson: God is in control over all creation, including animals, to fulfill His purposes.

The cart with the Ark came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh. This was a Levitical city located in the territory of Judah, near the border with the Philistines. It was one of the cities designated for the priests, which is significant given the context of the Ark of the Covenant’s return. The Ark’s return to a Levitical city shows the importance of proper worship and reverence for God’s presence. The large rock, a symbol of stability, was also a memorial. It served as a natural altar for the offering. The stopping of the cart at this specific location is divinely orchestrated, indicating God’s control over the situation. The priests used the wood from the cart to light a fire. They killed the two cows and offered it as a burnt offering, to honor God. Burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, a symbol of total dedication to God, an act of worship. This is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly for the atonement of sin on behalf of sinners. When the Philistines saw this, they returned to their country. It was the end of the Philistine experiment with the Ark, acknowledging the power of the God of Israel. Lessons: God is sovereign over all nations. He has the power to defend His honor without human intervention.

God struck down and killed seventy people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the Ark. These were Jewish men, not foreigners. According to the Law, only the high priest could approach the Ark, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, carrying the blood of the sacrifice. Looking inside the Ark was a direct violation of God’s command. This incident shows the holiness of Jehovah El Qanna. It is God’s judgment upon those who disrespected the Ark. This was God’s Law: The ark was to remain covered. Even the Kohathites, appointed to carry it, were forbidden to “touch or look upon the holy things, lest they die” (Num 4:20). To look inside the ark, the men had to lift the cover called “the Mercy Seat”. Without God’s mercy, all sinners die. The men treat God’s presence as a common thing. Overfamiliarity with God’s things is a sin. Lessons: Holiness demands reverend distance. God actively defends His holiness. As worshipers, we have a great responsibility to treat God with honor and respect. The incident calls every generation to approach God on His terms, honoring His holy presence with obedient, respectful, and humble hearts. We must fear God and respect God’s things. While God is just in His punishment, His actions also serve as a call to repentance and a deeper understanding of His nature. We must learn from the mistakes or others, how to worship God! This story also points to the ultimate judgment of sinners and the need for atonement, based on the perfect future work of Jesus Christ, who provides the way for humanity to approach God through His sacrifice. Worship the Lord!

WHOM ARE YOU SEEKING? I AM HE!

This is a very painful story (John 18:1-13). After praying the High Priestly prayer, Jesus, followed by eleven of His disciples, goes to the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas has already gone to the Pharisees and agreed to betray Jesus, for 30 silver coins (about 400,000 Naira). A band of Roman soldiers with weapons follows Judas, who will identify Jesus with a kiss. The cooperation between Jewish and Roman authorities shows the worldly opposition to Jesus. A detachment (or cohort) of troops was made of about 500 Roman soldiers. Just imagine how many people came to arrest the Prince of Peace!!! The presence of weapons shows a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. Everything that happened was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The use of lanterns and torches shows that it was nighttime. Lessons: Judas’ betrayal reminds us of the pain of being betrayed by those close to us. We must examine our own faithfulness to Christ. Be prepared for opposition in your own walk with Christ. You are the light of the world, preaching the Gospel in the spiritual darkness of the world.

“Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” (Jn 18:4)

Jesus knows all the things that will happen to Him. This shows His Omniscience as God. Jesus said: “When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Lk 22:53). The “hour” refers to the appointed time for Jesus’ arrest and subsequent crucifixion. It signifies a divinely ordained moment when God allows the forces of evil to act, fulfilling the plan of salvation. This phrase acknowledges the temporary authority given to Jesus’ enemies, according to God’s permissive will. It also reflects the fulfillment of prophecies about the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53). The power of darkness shows the spiritual forces at work behind the physical events of Jesus’ arrest. “Darkness” symbolizes evil, sin, and separation from God, contrasting with Jesus as the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12). The power of darkness refers to Satan’s influence and the spiritual battle between good and evil. This moment is a culmination of the conflict between Jesus and the forces of evil, as foretold in Genesis 3:15, where the serpent’s head would be crushed. Despite the apparent victory of darkness, it ultimately leads to Jesus’ triumph over sin and death through His resurrection. Halleluiah!

Jesus willingly submits to arrest, suffering and crucifixion. As the good Sheperd, He lays down His life for His sheep. He tells the people to arrest Him and let His disciples go away. His stepping forward shows His courage and willingness to face His destiny. His proactive approach is in great contrast with the disciples’ fear and confusion. This act fulfills His earlier declaration that no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down of His own accord (Jn 10:18). It also reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament types, such as Isaac willingly carrying the wood for his own sacrifice (Gen 22:6). Jesus asked them: “Whom are you seeking?” By this question, Jesus takes control over the situation showing His authority even in the face of His arrest.

“Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground” (Jn 18:6). Jesus said: I AM! This is the name of Jehovah. It shows that Jesus is God. Suddenly, the 500 Roman soldiers, with their lanterns and weapons, who came to arrest Jesus, drew back and fell to the ground. This unplanned response shows the authority of Jesus’ words and His control over the situation, even as He submits to arrest. It was a moment when the light shone in the darkness. The soldiers thought that they came to arrest an ordinary man when they are confronted with God’s presence. The act of falling to the ground can be seen as a physical manifestation of reverence or fear in the presence of divine authority. In the Bible, falling to the ground is often associated with worship or recognition of God’s presence. This involuntary act by the arresting party shows the power of Jesus’ identity and the fulfillment of His mission, when “every knee will bow at the name of Jesus” (Phil 2:10). Lessons: Judas’ betrayal, though evil, is used by God to accomplish His redemptive plan. We find comfort in knowing that God can use even the darkest moments for His glory. Jesus’ calm and authoritative response in the face of arrest is an example for us to remain steadfast and courageous when facing trials and opposition. Never forget the power and the authority found in the name of Jesus! Worship the Lord!