The Ark Returned to Israel
1When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months,2the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.”
3They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”
4“What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines.
“Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.5Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land.
6Why hardena your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way?
7Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.8Take the ark of the LORD, set it on the cart, and in a chest beside it put the gold objects you are sending back to Him as a guilt offering.
Then send the ark on its way,9but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its homeland, toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has brought on us this great disaster. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that punished us and that it happened by chance.”
10So the men did as instructed. They took two milk cows, hitched them to the cart, and penned up their calves.11Then they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, along with the chest containing the gold rats and the images of the tumors.
12And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh.
13Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.
14The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.15And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.
16And when the five rulers of the Philistines saw this, they returned to Ekron that same day.
17As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.18The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rockb on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.
19But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men,c and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.
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 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.”
Footnotes:
6a Ormake heavy; similarly again in this verse
18b Orgreat meadow; HebrewAbel-haggedolah
19c A few late Hebrew manuscripts and Josephus; most Hebrew manuscripts70 men and 50,000 men; LXX70 men and 50,000 men of the people; Syriac and Arabic70 men and 5,000 men; alternately, possibly70 men and 50 oxen
In 1 Samuel 6, the Ark of the Covenant, having been captured by the Philistines, brings calamity upon its captors, affirming the authority and power of God. Recognizing their misfortune as divine retribution, the Philistines devise a plan to return the Ark to Israel, along with offerings of atonement. Meanwhile, the Israelites of Beth-shemesh rejoice at the return of the Ark, but their jubilation turns into fear after a deadly divine judgment.
• The Philistines controlled major coastal plains (Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron). Victory over Israel at Ebenezer (ch. 4) brought them the Ark, yet it also unleashed tumors—likely swollen buboes—plus rodent infestation.
• Seven months (approx. late harvest to early spring) align with agricultural disruption reflected by “rats that ravage the land” (v. 5).
• Offering objects shaped like the affliction signals public confession: “Give glory to the God of Israel” (6:5).
• By multiplying fivefold, the Philistine leaders acknowledge the plague’s reach across their pentapolis.
• Cows unused to yokes and instinctively tied to nursing calves would normally turn back. Their beeline to Beth-shemesh proves supernatural direction (cf.Isaiah 46:10, “My purpose will stand”).
• Iron-age stone troughs found near Beth-shemesh show local dairy culture, matching the narrative’s milk cows.
• Ekron inscriptions (7th cent. BC) list Philistine rulers, validating a five-city confederacy.
• Tumor-shaped votive objects discovered at Ashdod hint at disease-related offerings typical of the region.
• The stone of Beth-shemesh parallels the earlier Ebenezer (“stone of help,” 7:12) and later the memorial stones at the Jordan (Joshua 4). Physical rocks mark acts of divine deliverance.
• Christologically, the Ark’s return foreshadows the ultimate victory of God’s presence among His people despite seeming defeat (John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”).
• God’s sovereignty transcends boundaries; He disciplines His own and judges nations alike (Acts 17:26-27).
• Guilt offerings point to the need for substitution; the gospel reveals the once-for-all offering of Christ (Hebrews 10:10).
• Authentic worship demands honor, not curiosity or flippancy—whether ancient Ark or modern ministry, the principle endures.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Leviticus 10:1-3The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire, parallels the theme of reverence for God’s holiness.
Proverbs 3:5-6Encourages believers to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance in all their ways.
Hebrews 12:28-29Reminds us to worship God with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.
Teaching Points
The Power of God’s PresenceThe Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, brought plagues upon the Philistines, demonstrating that God is not to be taken lightly (
1 Samuel 6:1-5).
Seeking Divine GuidanceThe Philistines sought advice from their priests and diviners on how to return the Ark, acknowledging their need for divine guidance (
1 Samuel 6:2-3).
The Test of the CowsThe Philistines devised a test using two milk cows to see if the calamities were indeed from the God of Israel, showing their struggle between belief and skepticism (
1 Samuel 6:7-9).
God’s SovereigntyThe cows went straight to Beth-shemesh, confirming God’s hand in the events and His sovereignty over all creation (
1 Samuel 6:12).
The Consequences of IrreverenceThe men of Beth-shemesh were struck down for looking into the Ark, underscoring the seriousness of approaching God with reverence (
1 Samuel 6:19).
Practical Applications
Reverence for the HolyApproach God and His Word with the utmost respect and reverence, recognizing His holiness.
Seek God’s GuidanceIn times of uncertainty, seek God’s wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human understanding.
Acknowledge God’s SovereigntyTrust in God’s control over all circumstances, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.
Learn from Others’ MistakesReflect on the consequences faced by the Philistines and the men of Beth-shemesh to avoid similar pitfalls in your spiritual walk.
People
1.
The PhilistinesThe Philistines are the primary group mentioned in
1 Samuel 6. They are the people who captured the Ark of the Covenant and are now seeking to return it to Israel after experiencing plagues. The Philistines are described as being in distress due to the heavy hand of God upon them.
2.
The Lords of the PhilistinesThese are the rulers or leaders of the Philistine cities. They are responsible for making decisions regarding the Ark and are involved in the consultation with their priests and diviners on how to return it. The Hebrew term used here is "סַרְנֵי" (sarney), which refers to the rulers or lords.
3.
The Priests and Diviners of the PhilistinesThese individuals are consulted by the Philistine lords for guidance on how to return the Ark. They advise sending it back with a guilt offering to appease the God of Israel. The Hebrew word for priests is "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohanim), and for diviners, it is "קֹסְמִים" (qosemim).
4.
The IsraelitesWhile not directly involved in the initial decision-making process, the Israelites are the recipients of the Ark when it is returned. They are the people of God to whom the Ark belongs.
5.
The Men of Beth-shemeshThese are the Israelites who first receive the Ark when it is returned by the Philistines. They are described as reaping their wheat harvest in the valley when they see the Ark coming. The Hebrew name "בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ" (Beth-shemesh) means "house of the sun."
6.
The LevitesThe Levites are the Israelite tribe designated to handle the Ark and other holy objects. In this chapter, they take down the Ark from the cart and offer sacrifices to the Lord. The Hebrew term for Levites is "לְוִיִּם" (Levi'im).
7.
The People of Kiriath-jearimAlthough not mentioned until the end of the chapter, these people are tasked with taking the Ark from Beth-shemesh to their town. Kiriath-jearim becomes the Ark's resting place for a time. The Hebrew name "קִרְיַת יְעָרִים" (Kiriath-jearim) means "city of forests."
Places
1.
AshdodAshdod is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. In
1 Samuel 6, it is mentioned as one of the places where the Ark of the Covenant was taken after being captured by the Philistines. The Hebrew root for Ashdod is "אַשְׁדּוֹד" (Ashdod), which means "stronghold" or "fortress."
2.
GathGath is another major Philistine city. The Ark was moved here from Ashdod after the people of Ashdod experienced plagues. The Hebrew root for Gath is "גַּת" (Gath), which means "winepress."
3.
EkronEkron is the third Philistine city mentioned in this chapter. The Ark was sent here after causing trouble in Gath. The Hebrew root for Ekron is "עֶקְרוֹן" (Ekron), which may be related to the word "to uproot" or "eradicate."
4.
Beth-shemeshBeth-shemesh is an Israelite town where the Ark was sent back by the Philistines. The name in Hebrew is "בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ" (Beth-shemesh), meaning "house of the sun." It was a Levitical city in the territory of Judah.
5.
Kiriath-jearimAlthough not directly mentioned in
1 Samuel 6, Kiriath-jearim is the place where the Ark was taken after the events in Beth-shemesh. The Hebrew name "קִרְיַת יְעָרִים" (Kiriath-jearim) means "city of forests" or "city of woods."
Events
1.
The Philistines Consult Their Priests and DivinersThe Philistines, having suffered under the hand of the LORD due to the Ark of the Covenant, seek guidance from their priests and diviners on how to return the Ark to Israel. They are advised to send it back with a guilt offering to appease God. The Hebrew term for "guilt offering" is אָשָׁם (asham), indicating a need for atonement (
1 Samuel 6:2-3).
2.
Preparation of the Guilt OfferingThe Philistines prepare a guilt offering consisting of five golden tumors and five golden rats, corresponding to the number of Philistine rulers, as a representation of the plagues that afflicted them. This act is meant to acknowledge the power of the God of Israel (
1 Samuel 6:4-5).
3.
Instructions for Returning the ArkThe Philistines are instructed to place the Ark on a new cart, along with the golden offerings, and to use two cows that have never been yoked. The cows are to be left to see if they will head towards Beth-shemesh, which would confirm that the LORD was responsible for their suffering (
1 Samuel 6:7-9).
4.
The Ark is Sent to Beth-shemeshThe Philistines follow the instructions, and the cows head straight for Beth-shemesh, lowing as they go, without turning aside. This is seen as a sign that the LORD had indeed brought the calamity upon the Philistines (
1 Samuel 6:10-12).
5.
The Ark Arrives in Beth-shemeshThe people of Beth-shemesh are harvesting wheat when they see the Ark approaching. They rejoice at its return and offer sacrifices to the LORD using the wood of the cart and the cows as a burnt offering (
1 Samuel 6:13-15).
6.
The Philistine Rulers Witness the EventThe five Philistine rulers observe the events from a distance and return to Ekron the same day, having confirmed the divine nature of the plagues that had afflicted them (
1 Samuel 6:16).
7.
The Guilt Offering is DetailedThe text details the specific items of the guilt offering: the golden tumors and rats, which correspond to the cities of the Philistines, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the offering (
1 Samuel 6:17-18).
8.
Judgment on the Men of Beth-shemeshSome men of Beth-shemesh are struck down by the LORD for looking into the Ark, demonstrating the holiness and power of God. The Hebrew root for "looked" is רָאָה (ra'ah), indicating a disrespectful or irreverent gaze (
1 Samuel 6:19).
9.
The Ark is Sent to Kiriath-jearimThe people of Beth-shemesh, recognizing the severity of God's judgment, send messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim to take the Ark, acknowledging their inability to stand before the holy God (
1 Samuel 6:20-21).
Lessons from 1 Samuel 6
1. Respect for the Sacred
In1 Samuel 6, the Philistines learn a crucial lesson about respecting what is sacred. After capturing the Ark of the Covenant, they experience plagues and devastation. This teaches us that reverence for God and His holy things is paramount. As it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). We are reminded to approach God with awe and respect, recognizing His holiness in our daily lives.
2. The Power of Repentance
The Philistines realize their mistake and decide to return the Ark to Israel, demonstrating the power of repentance. They acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek to make amends. This act of turning away from sin and towards God is a powerful reminder that repentance is a pathway to restoration. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
3. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The events in1 Samuel 6 highlight God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. The Philistines, despite being enemies of Israel, are subject to God's will. This reminds us that God is in control of all things, and His plans will prevail. "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19).
4. The Importance of Obedience
When the Philistines return the Ark, they follow specific instructions, showing the importance of obedience to God’s commands. This obedience leads to the lifting of their plagues. Similarly, our obedience to God’s Word brings blessings and peace. "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28).
5. God’s Guidance in Uncertainty
The Philistines are unsure how to return the Ark, so they seek guidance through a test involving cows. God directs the cows straight to Israel, showing that He guides us even in uncertainty. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). We can trust God to lead us when we are unsure of the path.
6. The Role of Sacrifice
The Philistines send a guilt offering with the Ark, acknowledging their need for atonement. This act underscores the role of sacrifice in seeking forgiveness. While their offering was imperfect, it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness" (Titus 2:14).
7. God’s Presence Brings Joy
When the Ark returns to Israel, the people rejoice. The presence of God among His people is a source of great joy and celebration. "In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). We are reminded that God’s presence in our lives brings true joy and fulfillment.
8. The Consequences of Disobedience
Some Israelites look into the Ark and are struck down, illustrating the serious consequences of disobedience. This serves as a warning that disregarding God’s commands can lead to dire outcomes. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
9. God’s Holiness
The events surrounding the Ark emphasize God’s holiness. The Israelites ask, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?" (1 Samuel 6:20). This question reminds us of the need to approach God with reverence and purity, acknowledging His perfect holiness.
10. The Call to Worship
Finally, the return of the Ark prompts the Israelites to worship God. This chapter calls us to worship God in spirit and truth, recognizing His greatness and mercy. "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9). Let us be inspired to live lives of worship, honoring God in all we do.
Topics
1.
The Return of the ArkThe Philistines decide to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after experiencing plagues. They consult their priests and diviners, who advise them to send it back with a guilt offering. This reflects the Hebrew term "אָשָׁם" (asham), meaning guilt or trespass offering, indicating their acknowledgment of wrongdoing (
1 Samuel 6:1-3).
2.
The Guilt OfferingThe Philistines send five golden tumors and five golden rats as a guilt offering, corresponding to the number of Philistine rulers. This act is meant to appease the God of Israel and is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "אָשָׁם" (asham), emphasizing restitution and acknowledgment of sin (
1 Samuel 6:4-5).
3.
The Test of the CowsTo confirm whether their afflictions were indeed from the God of Israel, the Philistines devise a test using two milk cows that have never been yoked. The cows are hitched to a cart carrying the Ark, and their natural behavior is observed as a sign from God. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of divine providence and signs (
1 Samuel 6:7-9).
4.
The Ark's Journey to Beth-shemeshThe cows head straight to Beth-shemesh, a town in Israel, confirming to the Philistines that their plagues were from the God of Israel. This journey signifies God's sovereignty and guidance, as the Hebrew term "יָשָׁר" (yashar) implies a straight or right path (
1 Samuel 6:10-12).
5.
The Rejoicing of the People of Beth-shemeshThe people of Beth-shemesh rejoice upon seeing the Ark. They offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to the Lord, reflecting the Hebrew practice of "עוֹלָה" (olah), a burnt offering symbolizing complete surrender to God (
1 Samuel 6:13-15).
6.
The Judgment on the Men of Beth-shemeshSome men of Beth-shemesh are struck down for looking into the Ark, demonstrating the holiness and reverence required for the sacred objects of God. The Hebrew term "נָכָה" (nakah) is used, meaning to strike or smite, indicating divine judgment (
1 Samuel 6:19-20).
7.
The Ark Sent to Kiriath-jearimThe people of Beth-shemesh send messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim to take the Ark, acknowledging their inability to care for it properly. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "קִרְיַת יְעָרִים" (Kiriath-jearim), meaning "city of forests," where the Ark would be kept for a time (
1 Samuel 6:21).
Themes
1.
Divine Judgment and RetributionThe theme of divine judgment is evident as the Philistines experience the consequences of capturing the Ark of the Covenant. The text describes how the LORD's hand was heavy upon the people, causing devastation and afflictions (
1 Samuel 6:3-5). The Hebrew word for "hand" (יָד, yad) signifies power and authority, emphasizing God's sovereign control over the situation.
2.
Repentance and AtonementThe Philistines recognize their need to appease the God of Israel to stop the plagues. They decide to send a guilt offering along with the Ark, acknowledging their wrongdoing (
1 Samuel 6:3). The Hebrew term for "guilt offering" (אָשָׁם, asham) indicates a recognition of sin and the need for atonement.
3.
God's Sovereignty and HolinessThe narrative underscores God's sovereignty and holiness, as the Philistines acknowledge His power over their gods and land. They seek to return the Ark with offerings, recognizing that their gods are powerless before the God of Israel (
1 Samuel 6:5-6). The Hebrew root for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) reflects God's distinct and set-apart nature.
4.
Human Response to Divine PowerThe response of the Philistines and later the Israelites to the Ark's presence highlights human reactions to divine power. The Philistines act out of fear and respect, while the Israelites initially rejoice but later suffer consequences for irreverence (
1 Samuel 6:19). This theme explores the appropriate reverence and fear of the LORD.
5.
Providence and GuidanceThe method of returning the Ark demonstrates God's providence and guidance. The Philistines use cows that have never been yoked, and the cows head straight for Israelite territory, indicating divine direction (
1 Samuel 6:7-12). This reflects the Hebrew concept of God's providential care and guidance in human affairs.
6.
The Fear of the LORDThe fear of the LORD is a recurring theme, as both the Philistines and Israelites experience awe and reverence for God's power. The Israelites' reaction to the men of Beth-shemesh being struck down for looking into the Ark (
1 Samuel 6:19) reinforces the importance of fearing and respecting God's holiness. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) encompasses reverence and awe.
7.
The Role of Prophets and PriestsThe involvement of priests and diviners in advising the Philistines on how to return the Ark highlights the role of religious leaders in mediating between God and people (
1 Samuel 6:2). This theme underscores the importance of spiritual guidance and the priestly function in understanding and responding to divine will.
Prayer Points
Pray for a heart that reveres and honors God in all aspects of life.
Ask for wisdom and discernment to seek God’s guidance in decision-making.
Pray for a deeper understanding and trust in God’s sovereignty and control.
Seek forgiveness for any irreverence or casual approach to God’s holiness in your life.
As we reflect on1 Samuel 6, may we be reminded of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with the reverence He deserves. Let us learn from the experiences of the Philistines and the Israelites, seeking to honor God in all that we do.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
In 1 Samuel 6:4, why are golden tumors and rats treated as valid offerings for atonement?2.How could untrained cows in 1 Samuel 6:7–12 pull the Ark straight to Beth Shemesh without wandering?
3.In 1 Samuel 6:9, what evidence outside the text confirms the supposed divine sign for the Ark’s journey?
4.How do we reconcile the differing accounts of the death toll (70 vs. 50,070) in 1 Samuel 6:19, and is there archaeological proof of such an event?
5.Why does a just and loving God kill people merely for looking into the Ark in 1 Samuel 6:19?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. What does the Philistines' decision to return the Ark tell us about the power and authority of God?
2. How did the Philistines demonstrate their understanding of guilt and atonement?
3. Why did the Philistines choose tumors and rats as symbols for their guilt offering?
4. What significance did the direct path of the cows have in the narrative? What does it teach us about divine intervention?
5. How did the Israelites react to the return of the Ark and why?
6. Why do you think God punished the men of Beth-shemesh for looking inside the Ark?
7. How does this chapter reinforce the theme of "fear and obedience" towards God?
8. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines and apply in our lives about respecting what is holy?
9. How does the story illustrate the idea of sacrificial offerings? How can we apply this concept in our lives today?
10. How can the events in this chapter inform the way we handle our own transgressions and seek atonement?
11. What does the chapter say about the dangers of curiosity without reverence?
12. How does the chapter illustrate the consequences of underestimating the power and holiness of God?
13. How can we understand the concept of divine retribution in the context of today's society?
14. How can we relate the fear and reverence the people of Beth-shemesh felt to our personal spiritual journey?
15. How would you handle a situation where you felt that something in your life was causing distress like the Ark did to the Philistines?
16. How can we ensure that our actions align with the respect and reverence due to God's commandments?
17. How do you react when you realize you've acted irreverently or disrespectfully towards God, and how should you rectify it?
18. How can we learn to discern God's hand in the situations we face in life, as the Philistines did with the Ark?
19. Can you think of a modern example where people faced negative consequences as a result of disrespecting something sacred?
20. How can the narrative of this chapter inspire us to maintain a healthy fear and respect for God in our daily life?
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