New International VersionThen they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your town.”
New Living TranslationSo they sent messengers to the people at Kiriath-jearim and told them, “The Philistines have returned the Ark of the LORD. Come here and get it!”
English Standard VersionSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you.”
Berean Standard BibleSo they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.”
King James BibleAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.
New King James VersionSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down and take it up with you.”
New American Standard BibleSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down and take it up to yourselves.”
NASB 1995So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down and take it up to you.”
NASB 1977So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down and take it up to you.”
Legacy Standard BibleSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of Yahweh; come down and take it up to you.”
Amplified BibleSo they sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you.”
Christian Standard BibleThey sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and get it.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and get it.”
American Standard VersionAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Jehovah; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.
Contemporary English VersionThey sent messengers to tell the people of Kiriath-Jearim, "The Philistines have sent back the sacred chest. Why don't you take it and keep it there with you?"
English Revised VersionAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey sent messengers to the people living at Kiriath Jearim to say, "The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD. Come and take it back with you."
Good News TranslationThey sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim to say, "The Philistines have returned the LORD's Covenant Box. Come down and get it."
International Standard VersionThey sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, who told them, "The Philistines have returned the Ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you."
NET BibleSo they sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down here and take it back home with you."
New Heart English BibleThey sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down, and bring it up to yourselves."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and bring it up to you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.”
World English BibleThey sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back Yahweh’s ark. Come down and bring it up to yourselves.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they send messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have sent back the Ark of YHWH; come down, take it up with you.”
Young's Literal Translation And they send messengers unto the inhabitants of Kirjath-Jearim, saying, 'The Philistines have sent back the ark of Jehovah; come down, take it up unto you.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they will send messengers to the inhabitants of the City of Forests, saying, Philisteim turned back the ark of Jehovah; come down, bring it up to you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Cariathiarim, saying: The Philistines have brought back the ark of the Lord, come ye down and fetch it up to you.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying: “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Descend and lead it back to you.”
New American BibleThey then sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD; come down and get it.”
New Revised Standard VersionSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Koriath-narin, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come down and take it up to you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd they sent Messengers to the dwellers of Quryath Narayn, and they said: “The Philistines have returned the Ark of LORD JEHOVAH. Go down, carry it up for yourselves!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying: 'The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd they send messengers to the inhabitants of Cariathiarim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of the Lord, go down and take it home to yourselves.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Ark Returned to Israel… 20The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” 21So they sentmessengerstothe peopleof Kiriath-jearim,saying,“The Philistineshave returnedthe arkof the LORD.Come downand take it upwith you.”
Cross References 2 Samuel 6:2-5And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. / They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart, / bringing with it the ark of God. And Ahio was walking in front of the ark. ...
1 Chronicles 13:5-8So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. / David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name. / So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart. ...
1 Chronicles 15:25-28So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. / And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. / Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. ...
2 Samuel 6:12-15Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. / When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. / And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, ...
1 Chronicles 15:1-3David constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. / Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” / And David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to the place he had prepared for it.
1 Chronicles 15:11-15David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. / And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. / It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” ...
1 Chronicles 16:1-3So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. / When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. / Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake.
2 Samuel 6:17-19So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. / When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Hosts. / Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. And all the people departed, each to his own home.
1 Chronicles 16:4-6David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.
1 Chronicles 16:37-43So David left Asaph and his associates there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to minister there regularly according to the daily requirements, / along with Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives. Obed-edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were to be gatekeepers. / And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon ...
1 Chronicles 15:16-24David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. ...
1 Chronicles 13:1-4Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds. / And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us. / Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.” ...
1 Chronicles 15:29As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.
2 Samuel 6:20-23When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” ...
1 Chronicles 16:7-36On that day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this song of thanksgiving to the LORD: / “Give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. / Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. ...
Treasury of Scripture And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come you down, and fetch it up to you. Kirjath-jearim Joshua 18:14
And the border was drawnthence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill thatlieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, whichis Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: thiswas the west quarter. Judges 18:12
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold,it is behind Kirjathjearim. 1 Chronicles 13:5,6
So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim… Jump to Previous ArkInhabitantsJearimKiriathKiriath-JearimKir'iath-Je'arimKirjathjearimKirjath-JearimMessengersPhilistinesJump to Next ArkInhabitantsJearimKiriathKiriath-JearimKir'iath-Je'arimKirjathjearimKirjath-JearimMessengersPhilistines1 Samuel 6 1.After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark10.They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth Shemesh19.The people are smitten for looking into the ark21.They send to them of Kiriath Jearim to fetch itSo they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearimThe sending of messengers indicates a formal communication, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Kiriath-jearim was a town in the territory of Judah, located on the border with Benjamin. It was strategically significant and later became a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant for many years. The choice of Kiriath-jearim may have been due to its proximity and the trustworthiness of its inhabitants. This town is mentioned in Joshua 15:9 and 18:14, highlighting its geographical importance. saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD.
The return of the Ark by the Philistines marks the end of a significant period of judgment and turmoil for Israel. The Ark, representing God's presence, had been captured in battle (1 Samuel 4:11) and brought calamity upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 5). Its return signifies a turning point and a restoration of divine order. The Philistines' decision to return the Ark was driven by the plagues and misfortunes they experienced, acknowledging the power of the God of Israel. Come down and take it up with you.”
The invitation to "come down" suggests a descent from a higher elevation, as Kiriath-jearim is situated in the hill country. The phrase "take it up with you" implies a reverent and careful handling of the Ark, recognizing its sacredness. This action foreshadows the later transport of the Ark to Jerusalem by King David (2 Samuel 6), which is a type of Christ's ascension and the establishment of His kingdom. The Ark's movement symbolizes God's guidance and presence with His people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilistinesA group of people who were adversaries of Israel and had captured the Ark of the Covenant. They experienced plagues and decided to return the Ark to Israel. 2. Ark of the LORDThe sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its return was significant for the Israelites. 3. Kiriath-jearimA town in Israel where the Ark was sent after being returned by the Philistines. It became a temporary resting place for the Ark. 4. MessengersIndividuals sent by the people of Beth-shemesh to inform the residents of Kiriath-jearim about the return of the Ark. 5. Residents of Kiriath-jearimThe people who were called upon to take responsibility for the Ark and ensure its proper care and reverence. Teaching Points Reverence for God's PresenceThe Ark symbolizes God's presence, and its handling reflects our attitude towards God. We must approach God with reverence and respect. God's SovereigntyThe return of the Ark demonstrates God's control over all nations and events. Trust in God's sovereignty in your life circumstances. Community ResponsibilityThe call to Kiriath-jearim shows the importance of community in spiritual matters. Engage with your faith community to support and uphold God's work. Obedience to God's InstructionsThe Israelites' response to the Ark's return underscores the need for obedience to God's commands. Seek to align your actions with God's will. God's FaithfulnessDespite Israel's failures, God remained faithful to His covenant. Reflect on God's faithfulness in your life and respond with gratitude and commitment. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 6
Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Philistines' capture of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4?
Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?
In 1 Samuel 6:4, why are golden tumors and rats treated as valid offerings for atonement?
What are emerods in the Bible?(21) Kirjath-jearim.--Kirjath-jearim should be spelt and pronounced Kirjatb-jearim, the "city of woods" (wood-ville, wood-town, wooton). Its modern name is Kurzet-el-Erab, "the city of grapes," the woods being in later days replaced by vines.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So they sentוַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙(way·yiš·lə·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outmessengersמַלְאָכִ֔ים(mal·’ā·ḵîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397:A messenger, of God, an angeltoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe peopleיוֹשְׁבֵ֥י(yō·wō·šə·ḇê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryof Kiriath-jearim,יְעָרִ֖ים(yə·‘ā·rîm)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7157:Kiriath-jearim -- 'city of forests', a city given to Judah, then to Benjaminsaying,לֵאמֹ֑ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say“The Philistinesפְלִשְׁתִּים֙(p̄ə·liš·tîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430:Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistiahave returnedהֵשִׁ֤בוּ(hê·ši·ḇū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againthe arkאֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the LORD.יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of IsraelCome downרְד֕וּ(rə·ḏū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descend[and] take it upהַעֲל֥וּ(ha·‘ă·lū)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelywith you.”אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃(’ă·lê·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
Links 1 Samuel 6:21 NIV1 Samuel 6:21 NLT1 Samuel 6:21 ESV1 Samuel 6:21 NASB1 Samuel 6:21 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 6:21 They sent messengers to the inhabitants (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
