1 Samuel 6 Commentary

God’s power remains operative even in foreign territory.

The Philistines sought the counsel of their spiritual advisers out of desperation to appease the God of Israel.

This verse reveals how reverence toward God and acknowledgment of wrongdoing leads to healing.

This verse portrays the Philistines’ desperate and reverent attempt to rectify their offense against the God of Israel.

This verse highlights how humility before God is the path to relief.

God’s sovereign grace offers a chance for redemption and peace.

This verse shows how reverence for God’s holiness can transcend cultural boundaries after witnessing His might.

The Philistines sent the Ark away, trusting it would return to Israel and end their plague.

God’s specific guidance is not a matter of chance but of His sovereign purpose.

This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and will guide any willing or unwilling participant to fulfill His purposes.

God permits His holiness to be displayed in ways that humble even His enemies, leading them to address their wrongdoing.

God sovereignly used humble cows to accomplish His purpose and display His power, proving that no human scheme can thwart His will.

They welcomed back God’s symbol of holiness with great joy.

This verse demonstrates how God’s holiness brings people to worship Him with reverence and gratitude.

The people of Beth-shemesh joyfully welcomed the Ark, offered proper sacrifices, and reaffirmed their devotion to the one true God.

All told, this verse presents the Philistines acknowledging God’s power and retreating once they realized they could not stand against Him.

These five cities demonstrated that God’s power extends over every land, prompting even Israel’s enemies to bring tribute to the LORD in an attempt to end divine judgment.

God’s sovereignty was displayed, and the people were left with a permanent reminder of His power.

God’s judgment upon those who treated the Ark of the Covenant irreverently demonstrates that He is both holy and just.

The people’s question in this verse reminds us that God’s unimaginable holiness requires our humble submission before Him.

They recognized the Ark was safer at Kiriath-jearim and acted accordingly.