Even Idols Bow to the Lord

“Even idols bow to the Lord”. This probably seems like an odd statement to make. Where would such a thought come from? The answer, of course, is from the Bible.

In the fifth chapter of 1 Samuel we can read of an interesting event where an idol was found, face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. But before getting right to that point, it will make more sense to back up and get some context.

In chapter four of 1 Samuel, we read of Israel going against the Philistines. The two nations battled and the Philistines came out as the victors. The Israelites could not understand why they would have lost. Therefore, they decided to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord, thinking it would save them.

The Philistines were afraid since they had heard of how God had struck the Egyptians with plagues. Regardless of their fear, the Philistines fought against Israel. Once again the Philistines won—this battle was a greater victory than the previous. The first battle saw Israel lose about four thousand men, while the second had them lose thirty thousand foot soldiers.

With the second victory and the ark being in the area, the Philistines captured the ark. They took the ark of God back with them, which brings us to chapter five. Please note that in the following verses, ‘Dagon’ is a Philistine idol.

“Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torso was left of it.” (1 Sam. 4:1-4).

The above verses show a very fascinating piece of history. What would it be like for the people of Ashdod to come out each morning and find their idol bowing down to the ark of God - bowing down to the Lord. It would truly be an amazing thing to behold. How much greater a sight will it be when every single person - every single being under God - is found on their knee bowing to the Lord? (Phil. 1:9-11).

                -- John Thrower Jr.