After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. 1 Samuel 5: 1-4 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

          1 Peter 5:6 Jubilee Bible 2000

 

In my opinion, this Scripture illustrates God's humor as well as His power. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence. The Philistines obviously had no respect for the ark and placed it in a room with one of the false gods they worshipped. God had to show the people of Ashdod who He was and that He was not on the same level as their stone made god but He was the God who created the stone. So when the people of Ashdod entered the temple of Dagon the statue had fallen flat on his face: "every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord." I believe that was a very kind and gentle message that God was giving to the people of Ashod. But they still did not heed the message. So God made sure there was absolutely no doubt in his second delivery. "After they stood the statue back up the following morning they found the head and hands of the statue broken off and laying at the door of the temple with the body lying face down. God is a jealous God; He will not share His glory with anyone. We must always stay in a posture of being humble, understanding every good gift is from God, our mere existence is due to his Grace and love for us.

 

…I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! Isaiah 48:11b NLT

 

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your Sovereignty that rules and reigns throughout the earth and in our lives.