Chapter Summary

Ark of God a curse to Philistines.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 5

1. What does the practice of putting the captured Ark indicate about the pagan cultures of this time? What do the Philistines think they have done? Are they correct? Why or why not?
2. Dagon is a Canaanite god of the sea, which represented the forces of chaos in Canaanite mythology. How does God confirm his control over all the earth to the Philistines?
3. Dagon is also the father of Baal, the main god of the pagan Canaanite pantheon. What happens to Dagon? How is this God's demonstration of his superiority over the entire Canaanite pantheon?
4. Why does God afflict the Philistines wherever the Ark goes? How does this demonstrate God's judgment?
5. Initially, the rulers of the Philistines and the people of Ashdod do not see the events as signs of God's judgment. How do they test their hypothesis? What confirms their suspicions about the Ark?
6. In what ways are the Philistines experiencing a parallel situation with that of the nation of Egypt during the days of the Exodus?
7. What does the response of the people of Ekron indicate about their awareness of what's been happening with the Ark? Why do they suspect their rulers of malicious intent? Is this fair? Why or why not?
8. We are told that the 'outcry of the city went up to heaven', but not that the people of Ekron are praying to the God of Israel. In what ways do we avoid going to God even when we're faced with danger and fear?
9. What false gods do we turn to as saviours instead of the true God? Where do you see false gods in your life? What is preventing you from trusting God?
10. Despite their paganism, in what ways do the Philistines have a clearer understanding of the God of Israel than the Israelites themselves?

Key Words/Phrase

Hand of the Lord, vv. 6, 9, 11.

Characters

God

Strong Verse(s)

6