"And it came about after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city with very great confusion; and He smote the men of the city with very great confusion; young and old, so that tumors broke out on them."
The ark of God, captured by the Philistines as a trophy or souvenir of victory, was placed by their god Dagon in its house. They quickly discovered Dagon could not stand alongside the ark of God as it was toppled over, its head and hands dismembered from the torso. Confusion, as well as a physical malady called tumors ravaged the men. The Philistines would discover that the ark, was truly much more than an emblem of God, but where God's presence resided in the midst of His people. Hordes of mice would soon ravage the crops as they realized the power of God. It was quickly sent back, with a new respect for the God of Israel. How the world needs a new found respect for the true and living God.
Pastor Russell