No Other God Can Stand Before Him Series

NO OTHER GOD CAN STAND BEFORE HIM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 5:1-12,

1 Samuel 6:1-21

Supporting Texts: Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 42:8, Psalm 115:3-8, Revelation 1:18, Philippians 2:10-11

INTRODUCTION:

God is not a man. He is not a created being, nor can He be confined to an image or equated with human inventions. He is the Sovereign, Eternal, All-powerful God. When the Ark of the Covenant—representing God’s presence—was captured and brought into Philistine territory, they placed it beside their idol, Dagon. But what followed was a divine display of power, judgement, and unmatched holiness. God does not need human defence to show He is supreme. Even in captivity, His glory is never subdued.

The Philistines rejoiced after Israel’s defeat, thinking that their god, Dagon, had conquered the God of Israel. But they were about to learn a powerful lesson: Jehovah cannot coexist with idols. In one of the most dramatic scenes in Scripture, the idol Dagon fell and shattered in God’s presence. What followed was a trail of plagues, confusion, and fear as God’s hand moved against the Philistines until they were compelled to return the Ark.

This account is a timeless declaration of God’s sovereignty. He will not share His glory with another. His presence judges sin, confronts false worship, and humbles nations. Wherever God's presence is truly honoured, idols must fall, and every knee must bow. This message reminds us today that in the face of adversity or spiritual compromise, no other god can stand before Him.

1. GOD’S PRESENCE CANNOT BE TAMED OR CONTROLLED

a) The Ark Was Not Defeated, Only Misunderstood (1 Samuel 4:11; 5:1)

The Philistines assumed they had captured Israel’s God, but the Ark was not just a symbol—it was sacred. God's glory is never subdued, even in enemy territory.

b) The Presence of God is Holy, Not to Be Handled Lightly (1 Samuel 5:1-2)

They placed the Ark in Dagon’s temple, treating it like a trophy. But God cannot be placed beside idols—His presence demands exclusive reverence.

c) God Does Not Need Human Help to Defend Himself (1 Samuel 5:3-4)

Without a single Israelite lifting a finger, God toppled Dagon. Twice, the idol fell—first bowing, then broken. God’s presence dismantles opposition by itself.

d) God is Supreme, Even in Enemy Territory

His power is not limited to a geographical zone. The same God who ruled in Shiloh ruled in Ashdod. His throne is above every nation and system.

e) Biblical Example: The gods of Egypt were judged one by one during the plagues (Exodus 12:12), proving the LORD’s superiority.

2. IDOLS CANNOT STAND BEFORE THE TRUE GOD

a) Dagon Fell Face Down Before the Ark (1 Samuel 5:3)

This was not just a fall—it was an act of divine mockery and symbolic submission. Every false god must bow to the true God.

b) The Fall Was Repeated and Final (1 Samuel 5:4)

When they set Dagon up again, he fell again—this time shattered. God was not just warning; He was judging. Idolatry has no future before God.

c) God Will Break What We Refuse to Remove

When we try to prop up our idols, He will destroy them. Anything that competes with God in our hearts is destined to fall.

d) The Fear of God Spread Among the Philistines

God’s acts in Ashdod sparked panic across the Philistine cities. They recognised His hand and His unmatched power.

e) Biblical Example: In 1 Kings 18:38–39, when fire came down from heaven on Elijah’s altar, the people fell and cried, “The LORD—He is God!”

3. THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD IS UNDENIABLE

a) Plagues Followed the Fall of Dagon (1 Samuel 5:6)

The hand of the LORD was heavy upon the people—tumours broke out, and death spread through Ashdod. His glory brings judgement where sin abounds.

b) Attempts to Relocate God's Presence Failed (1 Samuel 5:8–12)

They tried to move the Ark from one city to another—Gath, then Ekron—but judgment followed everywhere. You cannot escape the presence of a holy God.

c) God's Presence is a Blessing or a Burden Based on Position

To those in right standing, His presence brings peace. To the defiled, it brings panic. The difference is in alignment, not proximity.

d) The Philistines Recognised God’s Fingerprint

They acknowledged, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay with us” (1 Samuel 5:7). Even unbelievers tremble when God begins to act.

e) Biblical Example: Belshazzar saw the handwriting on the wall and trembled because the judgement of God was evident (Daniel 5:5–6, 25–31).

4. THE GLORY OF GOD DEMANDS REVERENCE AND RESTITUTION

a) The Philistines Sought a Way to Return the Ark (1 Samuel 6:1–2)

After seven months of affliction, they consulted their priests and diviners. They understood that God's presence required honour and reparation.

b) They Offered a Trespass Offering (1 Samuel 6:3–5)