1. GOD CHASTISES THE PHILISTINES
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LESSON 706:
GOD CHASTISES THE PHILISTINES

2. RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY
From our last study, entitled “God’s glory departs from Israel”, we learnt that God fulfilled His prophecy of destroying Eli’s house. The ark of God was taken by the Philistines and the glory of God left Israel. Sin and compromise rob people of peace on earth and in eternity. It is dangerous to lose God’s presence and glory: all that remains is dryness, dullness and death.

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 706: GOD CHASTISES THE PHILISTINES
MEMORY VERSE:
“ And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god” (I Samuel 5:7).
TEXT: I Samuel 5:1-12.

4. SUMMARY The Capture of the ark of God (I Sam. 5:1-5; 4:11-17)
The Philistines seized the ark of God and put it beside their god, Dagon. Dagon fell; its head and palms were cut off. God is greater than other gods.
Sin takes away God’s presence and glory from us.
Calamities upon Ashdod and Gath (I Sam. 5:6-10; Psalm 78:66)
God afflicted and destroyed the unrepentant Philistines for their insolence.
Sinners should repent immediately and avoid God’s impending judgement.
Carriage of the ark back to Israel (I Sam. 5:11-12; Genesis 20:7,17)
The Philistines realised the only solution was to return the ark to Israel.
Genuine repentance should be accompanied by restitution of stolen goods, someone else’s spouse, etc. Failure to do restitution attracts divine punishment.

5. DISCUSSION

6. QUESTION 1 What led to the capture of the ark by the Philistines?
Joshua 7:12

7. QUESTION 2
What can we deduce from the way God allowed the capture of the ark?
Exodus 14:17
Job 20:5

8. QUESTION 3
What is the best time for a sinner to give his life to Christ?
2 Corinthians 6:2

9. QUESTION 4
What lessons do we learn from the way the Philistines waited till they were punished before returning the ark?
Genesis 20:7,17-18
Proverbs 29:1

10. CONCLUSION
God destroyed the Philistines because they captured and dishonoured His ark.
Divine judgement awaits those who refuse to repent and do their restitution.
God is omnipotent. If we obey Him, we will do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.