Our sun provides light to our planet. The sun’s light supports plant life that feeds all other living things. Yet, if our planet were to get closer to the sun, its solar power would consume everything. This is how it is with God. God is good AND he is great. In the Old Testament, the ark of the covenant represented the presence of God with his people. God’s power went with his people wherever they took the ark.
In our reading today, we encounter the Battle of Aphek, one of the seven major battles between Israel and the Philistines recorded in the Bible. Four thousand Israelite soldiers were killed in one day. So, the Israelites brought the ark of the covenant to the battle, in hopes that the outcome of the battle would improve. Unfortunately, the Israelites were severely defeated. Not only were 30,000 Israelite soldiers killed, but the ark was captured by the Philistines.
For seven months, calamity broke out upon the Philistines as they possessed the ark. “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people.” For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there.
The ark was returned to God’s people. The Philistines never again stole the ark of the covenant. They experienced firsthand God’s awesome greatness.
Lord, I humbly bow before you. In your presence, I am struck with awe. For you, oh God, are great. May I never bow to another. For only you are worthy.
Robin Copeland
Extended Scripture: 1 Samuel 4–7 (ESV)
