The Return of the Ark

After the Philistines defeated Israel in battle, they captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it to their land. However, wherever the Ark went, trouble followed. The Philistine god Dagon fell over before it, and the people in the cities where the Ark was kept were struck with plagues. After seven months, the Philistines decided to send the Ark back to Israel. It eventually arrived in Kiriath-jearim, where it stayed for a long time.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the Philistines wanted to get rid of the Ark? What did they experience while it was in their possession?
2. How did the Philistines decide how to send the Ark back? What does this tell us about their understanding (or misunderstanding) of God's power?
3. When the Ark was returned and the people of Beth-shemesh looked inside, many of them died. Why do you think God reacted this way? What does this teach us about approaching God's holiness?
4. Why did the Ark end up staying in Kiriath-jearim for so long? What does this suggest about the spiritual state of Israel at that time?
5. In chapter 7, Samuel calls the people to turn back to the Lord and put away their foreign gods. What was the result of their repentance and prayer at Mizpah?
6. How did God show his faithfulness to Israel when the Philistines attacked again? What does the name Ebenezer mean, and why was it significant?
7. What are some "foreign gods" or idols that people might be tempted to worship today? How can we turn back to the Lord with our whole hearts?
8. How can we build our own "Ebenezer" moments – times when we recognize and remember God's help in our lives?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your power and your holiness, as shown in the story of the Ark. Forgive us for the times we turn away from you to other things. Help us to recognize your presence in our lives and to approach you with reverence and awe. Thank you for your faithfulness and for the times you have helped us. May we always remember your goodness and build our own "Ebenezer" as a testimony to your love. Amen.

This discussion is based on The One Year Bible Storybook by Virginia Muir.