5:1ffDagon was the chief god of the Philistines, whom they believed sent rain and assured a bountiful harvest. But the Philistines, like most of their pagan neighbors, worshiped many gods. The more gods they could have on their side, the more secure they felt. That was why they wanted the Ark, thinking that if it helped the Israelites, it could help them, too. But when the people living nearby began to get sick and die, the Philistines real- ized that the Ark was not a good omen. |t was a source of greater power than they had ever seen—power they could not control.
Life Application Study Bible1 SamuelChapter 5
1 Samuel 5
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 415, 416
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51 Samuel 5
4So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 5When ail the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake! “What's going on?” the Philistines asked. “What's all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the LORD had arrived, “they panicked. “The gods have* come into their camp!” they cried. 6This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 9Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don't, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!” 10So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was eat: 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 11The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.
The Death of Eli
124 man from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the battlefield and arrived at Shiloh later that
Textual footnotes
- 5:6 Greek version and Latin Vulgate read tumors; and rats appeared in their land, and death and destruction were
- 5:11 Or he.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
5:6,7Although the Philistines had just witnessed a great victory by Israel’s God over their god, Dagon, they didn’t act upon that insight unti! they were afflicted with tumors (possibly bubonic Plague). Similarly, today many people don’t respond to biblical truth until they experience pain. Are you willing to listen to God for truth’s sake, or do you turn to him only when you are hurting?
5:8The Philistines were governed by five rulers. Each ruler lived in a different city—Gath, Ekron, Ashdod, Ashketon, Gaza. The Ark was taken to three of these capital cities, and each time it brought great trouble and chaos to the citizens.
Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages
Study feature · page 415
ISRAELITES VERSUS PHILISTINES The Israelites and Philistines were archenemies and constantly fought. Here are some of their confrontations, © found in 1 and ' 2 Samuel. When the Israelites trusted God for the victory, they always won.
Comments The Ark was captured and Eli’s sons killed After the Ark was returned, the Philistines planned to attack again, but God confused them. Israel chased the Philistines back to Beth-car One detachment destroyed The Israelites lost their nerve and hid Jonathan and his armor bearer said it didn’t matter how many enemies there were. If God was with them, they would win. They began the battle, and the army completed it David and Goliath David killed 200 Philistines to earn a wife David protected the threshing floors from Philistine looters Saul and Jonathan killed The Philistines tried to capture King David There was very little trouble with the Philistines after this defeat Abishai saved David from a Philistine giant Other giants were killed, including Goliath’s brother
Reference 1 Samuel 4:1-11 4 Samuel 7:7-14
Location of the Battle Aphek to Ebenezer Mizpah
Winner Philistines Israelites
1 Samuel 13:3, 4 1 Samuel 13:6-17 4+ Samuel 13:23- 14:23
Geba Gilgal Micmash
Israelites under Jonathan A standoff Israelites
1 Samuel 17:1-58 1 Samuel 18:17-30 1 Samuel 23:1-5 1 Samuel 29:1; 31:1-13 2 Samuel 5:17-25 2 Samuel 8:1 2 Samuel! 21:15-17 2 Samuel 21 18-22
Valley of Elah ? Keilah Aphek, Jezreel, to Mount Gilboa Baal-perazim Gath ? Gob
Israelites Israelites Israelites under David Philistines tsraelites Israelites tsraelites Israelites
Their attitude toward the Ark came perilously close to idol Worship. When the Ark was captured by their enemies, they thought that Israel's glory was gone (4:19-22) and that God had deserted them (7:1, 2). God uses his power according to his own wisdom and will. He responds to the faith of those who seek him. 4:4 “The LORD of Heaven's Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim,” conveys that God’s presence rested on the Ark 8f the Covenant between the two gold cherubim (or angels} attached to its tid. The people believed that the Ark would bring Wetory when Hophni and Phinehas carried it into battle. 5-8 The Philistines were afraid because they remembered ‘Stories about God's intervention for!sraet when they left Egypt.
Study feature · page 416
Mediterranean