6:1-2 The Ark of the Lord remained in Philistine territory seven months in all. Then the Philistines called in their priests and diviners and asked them, “What should we do about the Ark of the Lord? Tell us how to return it to its own country.”
Capturing the Ark did nothing to help the Philistines either!
They too saw it as a lucky (?) charm, but it got passed from pillar to post as different communities experienced plagues and other disasters. The very thing that was expected to bring a blessing became a curse. When you read all the things that happened in the Philistine towns, you realise how quickly things moved in the seven months they hung on to the Ark. It was a real hot potato and couldn’t be passed on quick enough! As a last resort the Philistines decided to give it back to the Israelites – where it belonged. A plan was quickly devised and implemented – as we shall see in tomorrow’s reading.
It caused me to reflect on how often when people get what they want, it turns sour on them. The job, the car, the wonderful wages – it can all turn round and bite the person who struggled to get it. Covetousness has a habit of doing that. In getting want you want you discover the power of selfishness and how it can spoil the life of joy that was expected.
Beware of covetousness – it is suicide of the heart.
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