The Philistines take the Ark of the Covenant to a temple in Ashdod. The holy item is placed beside a statue of Dagon, to symbolize the victory of the Philistine god over that of the Israelites. However, every morning, the Philistines find their idol broken and lying on the floor. Then, a terrible plague strikes Ashdod. The locals understand that the Ark of the Covenant is the source of their distress. They therefore transfer it to the city of Gath, which eventually suffers the same fate. From there, it is taken to Ekron. The Philistines understand they must rid themselves of the holy item as fast as they can – before the plague spreads further. Only when we strive to correct our ways and open our hearts can healing occur. As long as we dwell in darkness, we cannot recover fully.
“The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us” (1 Samuel 5:7)
“That the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people” (1 Samuel 5:10)
“Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people” (1 Samuel 5:11)
The power to heal is the desire and ability to heal ourselves or others through both spiritual and physical means.
