God’s presence as judgment – the Philistines encounter God (1 Sam 5:6-12)

In his book, The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis describes an excursion into Heaven by people who live in Hell or Purgatory. As they arrive, they see the most beautiful place imaginable, nevertheless, they experience it as unpleasant and painful. The grass, for instance is so solid compared to their own shadowy existence that every step is agony as the blades cut into their feet. Contrary to expectations, God’s presence is not a comfort for everyone. Many today are offended by the Christian conviction that unless one believes in Jesus Christ and is cleansed from sin through His death, one cannot enter into ‘heaven’. The truth is though that they feel insulted because they think of heaven simply as ‘a happy place’ full of all good things to enjoy. Thus, they are upset that anyone should exclude them based on the random rules of their religion. However, they misunderstand the nature of heaven, which in reality is defined by the presence of God. It makes no sense to spend eternity with God if one never wanted anything to do with Him in the first place. In any case, those who rejected or ignored God in this life, may find God’s company unbearable.

As we continue reading about the fate of the ark, we likewise see the idea reflected in it that God’s presence is not a delight to everyone. For the Philistines who oppose the true God and subjugate His people, God’s presence (as expressed in the ark) brings His judgment. Once again, God reverses expectations. The Philistines think they have Israel’s God in their power because they won the battle, but soon realise their mistake. The events evoke the exodus where the Egyptians oppressed Israel and were struck by plagues. Here the Philistines play pass the parcel as the ark seems too hot to handle leaving confusion, illness and death in its wake. While Dagon is powerless with his hands cut off (1 Sam 5:4), the Lord’s hand is heavy on the Philistines and their god (1 Sam 5:6-7). In Hebrew, the verb ‘to be heavy’ has the same root as ‘glory/honour’ (kavod) and thus it plays on the idea that the Lord’s weighty action reveals His glory. In fact, the Philistines themselves acknowledge the reality and power of Israel’s God (v.7), which they cannot endure.

This is a sobering reflection that should give us pause. The presence of Christ in the lives of Christians is experienced as a repellent smell of death by those who reject the gospel (2 Cor 2:15-16). We may be tempted to ‘tame’ our view of God to fit in with the cultural expectations of our world and feel more comfortable in it, but Scripture corrects that vision. As Hebrews puts it, ‘our God is a consuming fire’ (Heb 12:29) and who can endure His presence in their natural, sinful state? It is important that we do not take our access to God lightly but acknowledge that such a thing is only possible because Jesus Christ has cleansed us from sin. We do not come to the Lord in our own righteousness, but only because in His grace God has provided a way (Eph 2:8).

At the same time, as we read of God’s immense power to bring the Philistines to heel, we should also be encouraged. The enemies or obstacles that seem overwhelmingly powerful for us (as the Philistines with their superior military weapons must have looked for Israel) are but a speck of dust for the Lord. Nothing is too difficult for Him. What Israel could not do in battle because of their sin, God was doing through the plagues, weakening His people’s enemy. Thus, even as Israel is chastised, having lost God’s presence in their midst, the Lord is working His purposes for their benefit. Even when disciplining them, the Lord shows mercy to those who are His (Hab 3:2).

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others.