At the time when the ark was returned to Israel, Samuel was also judge. God had wreaked havoc on the Philistines and their idol-god for taking the ark. It was a disaster and a day of gloom when the ark was stolen. But now, the Lord’s presence was back. It was time to repent.
Samuel issued this demand to Israel in 1 Sam 7:3, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only...” The striking realization about Samuel’s demand is how similar it is to Joshua’s demand issued just a few generations earlier. Joshua says in Joshua 24:23, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
Two truths of fallen nature are apparent from this continued call for Israel to put away foreign gods. First, collecting gods is simply insanity! Jehovah has proven himself above other gods through the Exodus. He has proven himself sufficient through the wilderness. He has proven himself as provider through the conquest. Why give any thought to other gods? But Israel did, and so do we! Second, collecting gods reveals the darkness of our hearts. Turning to other gods reveals a lack of faith toward God and a lack of love toward God. Collecting gods reveals that we do desire other loves. Israel did, and we do too! This is why each time Joshua and Samuel called for Israel to put away foreign gods, they also called them to turn their hearts toward God. Just throwing out our collection will not solve the problem. We must repent, we must do away with our god collection, but most of all, we must seek God’s grace to change us so that we love Him above all!
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