1 Samuel 5:10

So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, "They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!"

Study Bible

So they sent the ark of God to Ekron
The phrase "So they sent" indicates a decisive action taken by the Philistines. The Hebrew root for "sent" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which often implies a deliberate dispatching or sending away. This reflects the Philistines' desperation to rid themselves of the ark due to the calamities it brought upon them. The "ark of God" is central to this narrative, representing the tangible presence and power of Yahweh among His people. Historically, the ark was a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. "Ekron" was one of the five major Philistine cities, and its mention here highlights the widespread panic and fear among the Philistines as the ark moved from city to city, bringing divine judgment.

As the ark of God was entering Ekron
The phrase "was entering" suggests an ongoing action, indicating the ark's movement into Ekron. The Hebrew verb בּוֹא (bo) is used here, often meaning to come or go, emphasizing the ark's approach and the impending consequences. The "ark of God" again underscores the divine presence and the seriousness of the situation. Ekron, being the last of the Philistine cities to receive the ark, represents the culmination of the Philistines' failed attempts to control or contain the power of the God of Israel. This movement of the ark serves as a narrative device to demonstrate God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will.

the people of Ekron cried out
The "people of Ekron" refers to the inhabitants of this Philistine city. Their "cried out" is from the Hebrew זָעַק (za'aq), which conveys a loud, urgent call for help or protest. This reaction is one of fear and desperation, as they anticipate the same divine afflictions that befell the other Philistine cities. The collective cry of the people highlights the widespread recognition of the ark's power and the fear it instilled, serving as a testament to God's might and the acknowledgment of His supremacy even among the enemies of Israel.

'Why have you brought the ark of the God of Israel here
The question "Why have you brought" reveals the Ekronites' bewilderment and distress. It suggests a lack of understanding or control over the situation. The "ark of the God of Israel" is a significant title, emphasizing the ark's association with the God of Israel, Yahweh, and His covenantal relationship with His people. This acknowledgment by the Philistines of the ark's divine origin and power underscores the narrative's theme of God's dominion over all nations and peoples, not just Israel.

to kill us and our people?'
The phrase "to kill us and our people" reflects the Ekronites' fear of death and destruction, which they associate with the presence of the ark. The Hebrew root מוּת (muth) for "kill" indicates a fear of mortality and divine judgment. This fear is not unfounded, as previous cities experienced plagues and devastation due to the ark's presence. The mention of "our people" highlights the communal aspect of their fear, recognizing that the consequences of the ark's presence affect the entire community. This serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of God's holiness and the consequences of opposing His will, inspiring a reverent awe for His power and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ark of God
The sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

2. Ekron
One of the five major Philistine cities, located in the southwestern part of Canaan.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with the Israelites; they captured the Ark of God in battle.

4. People of Ekron
The inhabitants of Ekron who feared the presence of the Ark due to the calamities it brought to other Philistine cities.

5. God of Israel
The one true God worshiped by the Israelites, whose power and holiness were demonstrated through the Ark.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark symbolizes God's holy presence. We must approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness and power.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Philistines' experience with the Ark serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and presence.

God's Sovereignty
Despite being captured, the Ark's journey through Philistine territory demonstrates God's sovereignty and ability to defend His honor.

Fear of the Lord
The fear expressed by the people of Ekron highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and the seriousness of His judgments.

God's Faithfulness
Even in times of judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant, as seen in the eventual return of the Ark to Israel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the people of Ekron to the Ark's arrival reflect their understanding of God's power?

2. In what ways can we show reverence for God's presence in our daily lives?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' experience with the Ark about the consequences of opposing God's will?

4. How does the account of the Ark's journey through Philistine territory demonstrate God's sovereignty?

5. How can we apply the concept of the "fear of the Lord" in our personal walk with God, and what other scriptures support this understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 4-6
These chapters provide the broader account of the Ark's capture and the subsequent plagues that afflicted the Philistine cities, illustrating God's power and holiness.

Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction of the Ark and its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

2 Samuel 6
Details the return of the Ark to Israel, highlighting the reverence and care required in handling it.

Psalm 78:60-61
Reflects on the consequences of Israel's disobedience, including the loss of the Ark to the Philistines.

Revelation 11:19
Symbolically references the Ark in the heavenly temple, signifying God's enduring covenant and presence.