They recognized the Ark was safer at Kiriath-jearim and acted accordingly.
So 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.” (v.21) This verse depicts the immediate aftermath of the Philistines’ decision to send the Ark of the Covenant away because of the calamities they believed were associated with its presence. The people of Beth-shemesh, who first encountered the Ark upon its return, realized they were not prepared to care for it. They therefore reached out to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, a nearby settlement in Judah situated west of Jerusalem. Kiriath-jearim was often mentioned in biblical narratives as the next significant host for the Ark (1 Samuel 7:1-2), and it would remain with them for a notable length of time, underscoring the sacred responsibility they were willing to assume.
By sending these messengers to call the residents of Kiriath-jearim, the Beth-shemesh community recognized that the Ark represents the presence and power of the LORD. Although the Philistines had returned it, handling the Ark required solemn attention and reverence. Historically, this transfer took place around the 11th century BC, before the reign of King Saul (who was anointed around 1050 BC), at a time when Israel had no centralized monarchy. In the broader biblical story, the Ark’s movement prefigures God’s tangible presence later revealed in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who is the ultimate manifestation of the divine dwelling among humanity.
The verse highlights a reminder of how God’s holiness requires proper respect and devotion. The events leading to this call for Kiriath-jearim reflect both the fear and reverence surrounding the Ark, as it served as a symbol of covenant and communion with the LORD. Israel’s leaders, and the people as a whole, needed to ensure they were spiritually ready to handle such a holy object. Their decision to involve the people of Kiriath-jearim showed intentionality in safely receiving and respecting God’s presence.
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1 Samuel 6:21 meaning
So 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.” (v.21) This verse depicts the immediate aftermath of the Philistines’ decision to send the Ark of the Covenant away because of the calamities they believed were associated with its presence. The people of Beth-shemesh, who first encountered the Ark upon its return, realized they were not prepared to care for it. They therefore reached out to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, a nearby settlement in Judah situated west of Jerusalem. Kiriath-jearim was often mentioned in biblical narratives as the next significant host for the Ark (1 Samuel 7:1-2), and it would remain with them for a notable length of time, underscoring the sacred responsibility they were willing to assume.
By sending these messengers to call the residents of Kiriath-jearim, the Beth-shemesh community recognized that the Ark represents the presence and power of the LORD. Although the Philistines had returned it, handling the Ark required solemn attention and reverence. Historically, this transfer took place around the 11th century BC, before the reign of King Saul (who was anointed around 1050 BC), at a time when Israel had no centralized monarchy. In the broader biblical story, the Ark’s movement prefigures God’s tangible presence later revealed in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who is the ultimate manifestation of the divine dwelling among humanity.
The verse highlights a reminder of how God’s holiness requires proper respect and devotion. The events leading to this call for Kiriath-jearim reflect both the fear and reverence surrounding the Ark, as it served as a symbol of covenant and communion with the LORD. Israel’s leaders, and the people as a whole, needed to ensure they were spiritually ready to handle such a holy object. Their decision to involve the people of Kiriath-jearim showed intentionality in safely receiving and respecting God’s presence.