| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| April 8, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
1 Samuel 3-5
Observation & Interpretation
In Chapter 5 we see a God’s power and justice showcased in the movements of the ark while it was in the possession of the Philistines. The Philistines had previously captured the ark following a defeat of the Israelites (1 Sam. 4:10-11) and the ark was initially brought from Ebenezer to Ashdod. The Philistines brought the ark of God and placed it beside their pagan god, Dagon. On the morning of the first day, the god of the Philistines was found fallen downward (”A posture of worship and subservience” – BBC) and on the morning of the second, Dagon was found dismembered with only its trunk remaining.
The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod which prompted a gathering of the Philistines lords to determine what to do with the ark. They decided to bring it to Gath, but when brought, the hand of the LORD was against the city of Gath, causing great panic among young and old, so that tumors broke out on them. The ark was then sent to Ekron whose people likewise responded in panic, crying out that they had been given the ark of the God of the people of Israel to kill them. The people of Ekron called the lords of the Philistines to send away the ark of God to its own people, that it would not remain there and kill the people of Ekron. The chapter ends with the refrain of God’s heavy hand and the fullness of affliction experienced by the Philistines being struck with tumors.
Application
The ark was not a talisman to be wielded for unabashed victory or prosperity but rather the object through which God brought His presence. In much the same way, we too can practically operate as if Jesus is our mechanism for fulfilling our desires instead of seeing Him rightly as the the Lord God of all things. He is faithful and gracious to incline His ear to the supplication of His people, but He is also holy, righteous and just in all His ways. Let us then approach Him and express who He is to others with the proper balance of adoration, reverence and submission.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.