See the ark's triumph over Dagon. Thus the kingdom of Satan will certainly fall before the
kingdom of Christ, error before truth, profaneness before godliness, and corruption before grace
in the hearts of the faithful. When the interests of religion seem to be ready to sink, even then we
may be confident that the day of their triumph will come. When Christ, the true Ark of the covenant,
really enters the heart of fallen man, which is indeed Satan's temple, all idols will fall, every
endeavour to set them up again will be vain, sin will be forsaken, and unrighteous gain restored;
the Lord will claim and possess the throne. But pride, self-love, and worldly lusts, though dethroned
and crucified, still remain within us, like the stump of Dagon. Let us watch and pray that they may
not prevail. Let us seek to have them more entirely destroyed.
Verses 6–12
The hand of the Lord was heavy upon the Philistines; he not only convinced them of their folly,
but severely chastised their insolence. Yet they would not renounce Dagon; and instead of seeking
God's mercy, they desired to get clear of his ark. Carnal hearts, when they smart under the judgments
of God, would rather, if it were possible, put him far from them, than enter into covenant or
communion with him, and seek him for their friend. But their devices to escape the Divine judgments
only increase them. Those that fight against God will soon have enough of it.
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The Philistines consult how to send back (1–9)
the ark.
They bring it to Bethshemesh. (10–18)
The people smitten for looking into the ark. (19–21)Verses 1–9
Seven months the Philistines were punished with the presence of the ark; so long it was a plague
to them, because they would not send it home sooner. Sinners lengthen out their own miseries by
refusing to part with their sins. The Israelites made no effort to recover the ark. Alas! where shall
we find concern for religion prevail above all other matters? In times of public calamity we fear
for ourselves, for our families, and for our country; but who cares for the ark of God? We are
favoured with the gospel, but it is treated with neglect or contempt. We need not wonder if it should
be taken from us; to many persons this, though the heavies of calamities, would occasion no grief.
There are multitudes whom any profession would please as well as that of Christianity. But there
are those who value the house, the word, and the ministry of God above their richest possessions,
who dread the loss of these blessings more than death. How willing bad men are to shift off their
convictions, and when they are in trouble, to believe it is a chance that happens; and that the rod
has no voice which they should hear or heed!