1 Samuel 6 reveals the ark returned and God's judgment and mercy. Learn how God's holiness and mercy are demonstrated in the return of the ark.
The sixth chapter of 1 Samuel records the return of the ark of the covenant to Israel after seven months in Philistine hands. The Philistines had experienced severe plagues and the humiliation of their god Dagon, and they were desperate to be rid of the ark. They consulted their priests and diviners, who advised them to return the ark with a trespass offering of five golden emerods and five golden mice, representing the number of their lords. The offering was to acknowledge their guilt and to seek the Lord's mercy. The Philistines then placed the ark on a new cart with two milch kine that had never been yoked, and sent it toward the border of Israel.
The return of the ark was a journey marked by divine guidance and human response. The kine went straight toward Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside. The people of Beth-shemesh were reaping wheat in the valley and were overjoyed to see the ark. They offered sacrifices to the Lord and rejoiced at its return. However, the joy was tempered by judgment when some of the men of Beth-shemesh looked into the ark, and the Lord smote fifty thousand and threescore and ten men. The chapter ends with the people of Beth-shemesh sending a message to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim to come and take the ark.
The ark returned and God's judgment and mercy recorded in 1 Samuel 6 reveal that the Lord is both holy and merciful, and He demands reverence from His people. The Philistines experienced God's mercy when they returned the ark with an offering of acknowledgment. However, the people of Beth-shemesh experienced His judgment when they treated the ark with irreverence. This pattern of divine judgment and mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture, warning believers about the holiness of God and encouraging them to approach Him with reverence and obedience.
The Philistines' Consultation
The Plagues and the Decision to Return the Ark
The Philistines had suffered greatly because of the ark. The Lord had smitten them with emerods and with tumors, and the plague had spread throughout their cities. They were desperate to be rid of the ark and to find a way to appease the God of Israel. The text states that "the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months" (1 Samuel 6:1). During this time, the Lord's judgment had been heavy upon them.
The Philistines called for their priests and diviners and asked, "What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place" (1 Samuel 6:2). The question reflected their fear and their desire to find a solution. They knew that the ark was causing the plagues, and they wanted to send it back to Israel.
The decision to return the ark was an acknowledgment of the Lord's power. The Philistines recognized that they could not keep the ark without suffering judgment. Their actions demonstrated a grudging respect for the God of Israel.
The Advice of the Priests and Diviners
The priests and diviners advised the Philistines to return the ark with a trespass offering. They said, "If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you" (1 Samuel 6:3). The offering was to acknowledge their guilt and to seek the Lord's mercy.
The priests recommended five golden emerods and five golden mice, representing the number of the lords of the Philistines. The offering was a symbolic acknowledgment of the plagues that had afflicted them. The priests also instructed the Philistines to place the ark on a new cart with two milch kine that had never been yoked.
The advice of the priests was based on the principle that God should be honored with offerings. The Philistines were to acknowledge their sin and to seek the Lord's favor. The instructions demonstrated a recognition of divine justice and the need for atonement.
The Return of the Ark
The Journey to Beth-shemesh
The Philistines followed the advice of their priests and placed the ark on a new cart with two milch kine. The cows had never been yoked, and their calves were shut up at home. The Philistines sent the ark toward the border of Israel, watching to see what would happen.
The cows went straight toward Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went. The text states that "they turned not aside to the right hand or to the left" (1 Samuel 6:12). The cows' behavior was a sign of divine guidance. Despite being untrained and separated from their calves, they went directly to Beth-shemesh.
The lords of the Philistines followed the ark as far as the border of Beth-shemesh. They observed the journey and recognized that the Lord had guided the cows. Their observation was a testimony to the power of God and a confirmation that the plagues were from Him.
The Reception at Beth-shemesh
The people of Beth-shemesh were reaping wheat in the valley when they saw the ark. They rejoiced and gathered to meet it. The text states that they "lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it" (1 Samuel 6:13). The joy of the people was a recognition of the Lord's mercy in returning the ark.
The people of Beth-shemesh took the ark off the cart and offered the kine as a burnt offering to the Lord. They also offered the golden emerods and golden mice as a trespass offering. The sacrifices were an act of worship and gratitude for the return of the ark.
The joy of the people was tempered by the judgment that would follow. The Lord had returned the ark, but He still demanded reverence. The people's initial joy would be followed by a severe lesson in the holiness of God.
The Judgment at Beth-shemesh
The Irreverence of the People
The text records a tragic event: "And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men" (1 Samuel 6:19). The people had treated the ark with irreverence by looking into it, and the Lord judged them for their sin.
The ark was a symbol of God's holy presence, and it was not to be treated casually. The law of Moses specified that only the Levites were to handle the ark, and even they were not to look upon it. The men of Beth-shemesh had violated this command, and the consequences were severe.
The judgment was a demonstration of God's holiness. The Lord does not tolerate irreverence, even from His own people. The people of Beth-shemesh had rejoiced at the return of the ark, but their joy was followed by judgment because of their sin.
The Lament of the People
The people of Beth-shemesh responded to the judgment with lament: "Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?" (1 Samuel 6:20). The question reflected their fear and their recognition of God's holiness.
The people realized that they could not stand in the presence of the holy God without reverence and obedience. Their lament was a confession of their sin and a recognition of their need for the Lord's mercy.
The people of Beth-shemesh sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you" (1 Samuel 6:21). The request was a recognition that they were not worthy to have the ark in their midst.
The Lessons of 1 Samuel 6
The Holiness of God
The story of 1 Samuel 6 reveals the holiness of God. The Lord is holy, and He demands reverence from His people. The men of Beth-shemesh learned this lesson when they treated the ark with irreverence and were judged for their sin.
The holiness of God is a central theme of Scripture. The psalmist wrote, "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy" (Psalm 99:5). The Lord is set apart from His creation, and He is worthy of reverence.
The New Testament also emphasizes the holiness of God. The apostle Peter wrote, "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Believers are called to live holy lives, reflecting the character of their holy God.
The Mercy of God
The story of 1 Samuel 6 also reveals the mercy of God. The Lord responded to the Philistines' acknowledgment of their sin and returned the ark to Israel. The mercy of God was demonstrated in His willingness to receive the trespass offering and to heal the land.
The mercy of God is a central theme of Scripture. The psalmist wrote, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8). The Lord is compassionate and ready to forgive those who seek Him.
The New Testament emphasizes the mercy of God. The apostle Paul wrote, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us" (Ephesians 2:4). Believers can trust in God's mercy, knowing that He is compassionate and forgiving.
The Importance of Reverence
The story of 1 Samuel 6 emphasizes the importance of reverence for God. The Philistines showed reverence by returning the ark with an offering, and the Lord honored their actions. The people of Beth-shemesh, however, showed irreverence by looking into the ark, and they were judged.
Reverence for God is essential for a relationship with Him. The apostle Paul wrote, "Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29). Believers are called to approach God with awe and respect.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of reverence. The apostle Peter wrote, "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (1 Peter 1:17). Believers are called to live with a healthy fear of the Lord.
Conclusion
1 Samuel chapter 6 records the return of the ark of the covenant to Israel after seven months in Philistine hands. The Philistines, having experienced severe plagues, returned the ark with a trespass offering of golden emerods and golden mice. The ark was guided by the Lord to Beth-shemesh, where the people rejoiced at its return. However, the joy was followed by judgment when some men looked into the ark, and the Lord smote fifty thousand and threescore and ten men. The chapter ends with the people of Beth-shemesh sending the ark to Kirjath-jearim.
The ark returned and God's judgment and mercy recorded in 1 Samuel 6 reveal that the Lord is both holy and merciful, and He demands reverence from His people. The Philistines experienced God's mercy when they returned the ark with an offering of acknowledgment. However, the people of Beth-shemesh experienced His judgment when they treated the ark with irreverence. This pattern of divine judgment and mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture, warning believers about the holiness of God and encouraging them to approach Him with reverence and obedience.
The story of the ark's return encourages believers to approach God with reverence and to recognize His holiness and mercy. The same God who showed mercy to the Philistines and judged the men of Beth-shemesh calls His people to worship Him in spirit and truth. By learning from the lessons of 1 Samuel 6, believers can develop a deeper reverence for God and a greater appreciation for His mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the Philistines return the ark of the covenant?
The Philistines returned the ark of the covenant because they had experienced severe plagues as a result of keeping it. The Lord had smitten them with emerods and tumors, and the judgment had spread throughout their cities. They consulted their priests and diviners, who advised them to return the ark with a trespass offering of five golden emerods and five golden mice. The return of the ark was an acknowledgment of their guilt and a recognition that the God of Israel was powerful and just.
2. What was the significance of the golden emerods and golden mice?
The golden emerods and golden mice were a trespass offering to acknowledge the plagues that had afflicted the Philistines. The emerods represented the tumors that had smitten them, and the mice represented the destruction of their land. The offering was a symbolic acknowledgment of their sin and a plea for the Lord's mercy. The five golden emerods and five golden mice represented the number of the lords of the Philistines, demonstrating that the offering was made on behalf of all the cities.
3. Why did the cows go straight toward Beth-shemesh?
The cows went straight toward Beth-shemesh because the Lord was guiding them. The cows had never been yoked, and their calves were shut up at home. Despite their natural instincts, they did not turn aside to the right or left but went directly to Beth-shemesh. The cows' behavior was a sign of divine guidance, demonstrating that the Lord was in control of the ark's return. The Philistines observed the journey and recognized that the God of Israel had guided the cows.
4. Why did the Lord smite the men of Beth-shemesh?
The Lord smote the men of Beth-shemesh because they looked into the ark of the covenant. The ark was a symbol of God's holy presence, and it was not to be treated casually. The law of Moses specified that only the Levites were to handle the ark, and even they were not to look upon it. The men of Beth-shemesh violated this command, and the Lord judged them for their irreverence. Fifty thousand and threescore and ten men were smitten, demonstrating the seriousness of treating God's presence with irreverence.
5. What lessons can believers learn from 1 Samuel chapter 6?
Believers can learn several important lessons from 1 Samuel chapter 6. First, God is holy and demands reverence from His people. The men of Beth-shemesh were judged for treating the ark with irreverence. Second, God is merciful and responds to those who acknowledge their sin. The Philistines experienced mercy when they returned the ark with an offering. Third, believers are called to approach God with awe and respect, recognizing His holiness and mercy. Fourth, the Lord is sovereign and guides the events of history according to His purposes. The ark's return was a demonstration of divine guidance and control.
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