1 Samuel 6:15

KJV

And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that [was] with it, wherein the jewels of gold [were], and put [them] on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Levites {H3881} took down {H3381} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}, and the coffer {H712} that was with it, wherein the jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091} were, and put {H7760} them on the great {H1419} stone {H68}: and the men {H582} of Bethshemesh {H1053} offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} and sacrificed {H2076} sacrifices {H2077} the same day {H3117} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the L'vi'im removed the ark of ADONAI and the box that was with it, which contained the gold objects, and put them on the big rock. That same day the men of Beit-Shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And 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.

American Standard Version

And the Levites took down the ark of Jehovah, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt-offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 6:15 chronicles a momentous occasion in Israel's history: the Ark of the LORD's return to Israelite territory, specifically the Levitical city of Bethshemesh, after its seven-month captivity among the Philistines. This verse meticulously details the divinely appointed Levites reverently handling the sacred Ark and the accompanying Philistine guilt offering, placing them upon a significant stone. In response to this miraculous restoration of God's presence, the men of Bethshemesh immediately engage in spontaneous and grateful worship, offering burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD, thereby acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and the profound significance of His return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point, immediately following the miraculous, divinely orchestrated return of the Ark from Philistine territory. [1 Samuel 6:10-14](/1_samuel/6-10 "1 Samuel 6:10-14 - The Ark's Miraculous Return") vividly describes the two milk cows, without human guidance, pulling the cart directly to Bethshemesh, a city designated for Levites, arriving in the field of Joshua. The Philistine lords, witnessing this extraordinary event, were compelled to acknowledge the divine hand behind the plagues they had endured. The people of Bethshemesh, in the midst of their wheat harvest, erupted in joyous celebration at the Ark's arrival. [1 Samuel 6:15](/1_samuel/6-15 "1 Samuel 6:15 - The Ark's Handling and Worship") then details the proper, reverent handling of the Ark by the Levites and the immediate, communal worship offered, which, ironically, sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of the Bethshemeshites' tragic irreverence and divine judgment in [1 Samuel 6:19-20](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19-20 - Judgment on Bethshemesh").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bethshemesh was strategically located as a border town between Judah and Philistia, and crucially, it was designated as a city for the Levites, specifically the Kohathite clan, who were uniquely responsible for the care and transport of the Ark of the Covenant (as outlined in [Joshua 21:16](/joshua/21-16 "Joshua 21:16 - Bethshemesh as a Levitical City")). This designation is paramount for understanding the Levites' presence and their specific, lawful role in this verse, contrasting sharply with the Philistines' unauthorized transport. The "great stone" likely served as a makeshift, immediate altar for the sacrifices, as the Ark's unexpected arrival necessitated an impromptu, consecrated place of worship. The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: `‘olah`) symbolized complete dedication and atonement, while "sacrifices" (Hebrew: `zevachim`, often peace offerings) represented communion and thanksgiving. The Philistine "guilt offering" of golden tumors and mice (mentioned in [1 Samuel 6:4-5](/1_samuel/6-4 "1 Samuel 6:4-5 - The Philistine Guilt Offering")), though pagan in origin, was a cultural acknowledgment of YHWH's power and an attempt to appease Him, highlighting the stark contrast between their superstitious fear and Israel's covenantal worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and the Ark's Holiness**. The Ark, as the tangible symbol of God's presence, could not be held captive by pagan gods or human power; God Himself orchestrated its return, demonstrating His absolute control over all nations and the inherent, unassailable holiness of His presence. Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience to Divine Law**. The explicit mention of the Levites highlights the enduring importance of adhering to the Mosaic Law regarding the proper handling of sacred objects, a stark contrast to the Philistines' unlawful cart transport. This adherence foreshadows the judgment that would later fall on the Bethshemeshites for their irreverent curiosity, reinforcing the necessity of approaching God on His terms. Finally, the immediate offerings highlight the theme of **Worship and Atonement**, signifying profound gratitude for God's restorative power and an acknowledgment of His holiness, which demands proper reverence, purification, and heartfelt response.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lêvîyîy'_):** (H3881) This term specifically refers to the descendants of Levi, the priestly tribe, who were divinely appointed to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Crucially, only the Kohathite branch of the Levites was permitted to handle and transport the sacred vessels, including the Ark of the Covenant, and only after they had been covered by the priests (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites' Duty to the Ark")). Their presence and action here signify a return to proper, Mosaic protocol after the Ark's irregular journey on a Philistine cart, emphasizing the restoration of order and divine law.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** (H727) This word refers to a box or chest, but in this context, it denotes the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel. It represented God's throne, His covenant presence among His people, and the place where He communed with Israel's leaders (cf. [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat")). Its return signifies the restoration of God's manifest presence among His people, a powerful symbol of His faithfulness despite their failures.
* **Coffer (Hebrew, _ʼargâz'_):** (H712) This Hebrew word refers to a box or pannier. In this context, it specifically held the Philistine guilt offering—the five golden tumors and five golden mice (cf. [1 Samuel 6:4](/1_samuel/6-4 "1 Samuel 6:4 - The Philistine Guilt Offering")). Its mention alongside the Ark distinguishes the two, highlighting that while the Ark was sacred to Israel, the coffer represented the pagan tribute and a tangible, albeit reluctant, acknowledgment of YHWH's power by the Philistines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the immediate and proper handling of the Ark. The verb "took down" (Hebrew: `yarad`, H3381) implies a careful, deliberate act of removal from the Philistine cart, signifying a transition from irregular, pagan transport to handling by those consecrated for this sacred duty according to Mosaic law. This action re-establishes the proper protocol for approaching God's holy presence.
* **"and the coffer that [was] with it, wherein the jewels of gold [were]":** This describes the Philistine guilt offering, the "jewels of gold" (Hebrew: `kᵉlîy zâhâb`, H3627, H2091) being the golden models of the tumors and mice. This detail confirms that the Philistines' tribute, intended to appease YHWH, arrived safely with the Ark, serving as a tangible testament to God's judgment upon them and His undeniable power over their false gods.
* **"and put [them] on the great stone":** This indicates the placement of both the Ark and the coffer on a large, readily available stone (Hebrew: `ʼeben gâdôwl`, H68, H1419) in the field. This stone served as a temporary, impromptu altar or a sacred platform for the immediate worship that followed, signifying the spontaneous and urgent nature of the people's response to God's unexpected yet glorious presence.
* **"and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD":** This concludes the verse by detailing the immediate act of worship. The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: `ʻôlâh`, H5930), signifying complete surrender and atonement, and "sacrifices" (Hebrew: `zebach`, H2077), likely peace offerings expressing thanksgiving and communion, were offered by the men (Hebrew: `ʼĕnôwsh`, H582) of Bethshemesh (Hebrew: `Bêyth Shemesh`, H1053) on the very same day (Hebrew: `yôwm`, H3117). This communal act of worship underscores the people's gratitude for the Ark's miraculous return and their acknowledgment of God's power and presence among them.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 6:15](/1_samuel/6-15 "1 Samuel 6:15 - The Ark's Return to Bethshemesh") employs several potent literary devices that enrich its theological and narrative meaning. There is a striking **Juxtaposition** between the Philistines' unlawful and pragmatic transport of the Ark on a "new cart" (cf. [1 Samuel 6:7](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7 - The New Cart")) and the Levites' divinely mandated, reverent "taking down" of the Ark, highlighting the stark contrast between pagan ignorance and covenantal obedience. The profound **Symbolism** of the Ark itself is paramount, representing God's holy presence, His covenant, and His sovereign throne, making its return a powerful sign of divine restoration and vindication. The offerings of "burnt offerings and sacrifices" are also deeply **Symbolic**, representing the people's profound gratitude, their complete dedication, and their desire for atonement and renewed communion with God. Furthermore, the immediate, spontaneous worship, while initially positive, subtly **Foreshadows** the later tragic events in Bethshemesh (cf. [1 Samuel 6:19](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19 - Judgment on Bethshemesh")), where irreverent curiosity and a failure to maintain proper reverence lead to divine judgment, emphasizing the extreme holiness of the Ark and the perils of treating God's sacred presence casually.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The return of the Ark to Bethshemesh and the subsequent worship powerfully affirm God's absolute sovereignty and the uncontainable nature of His holiness. Even when His people fail and His sacred symbols are captured, God remains in control, demonstrating His power over pagan deities and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The meticulous handling by the Levites underscores the enduring importance of divine law and the necessity of approaching God's presence with reverence and according to His prescribed ways. This event serves as a profound theological lesson: God's honor will always be vindicated, and His presence, though sometimes seemingly withdrawn due to human sin, will ultimately be restored, demanding a response of humble, obedient, and grateful worship.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites' Responsibility for Holy Objects")
* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence on the Mercy Seat")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend God's Hill?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Bethshemesh, with the Levites reverently handling the Ark and the people offering immediate worship, serves as a profound call to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God in our own lives. While we no longer have a physical Ark, the principles of treating God's presence, His Word, and His commands with utmost respect remain vitally important. This passage reminds us that God is not to be trifled with, nor His holiness taken lightly. It also speaks powerfully to the theme of divine restoration: even when we experience spiritual captivity, feel distant from God, or find ourselves in circumstances of our own making, He is sovereign and capable of bringing us back into proper relationship with Him. Our appropriate response to His restorative grace should be one of immediate, heartfelt worship, expressed through obedience to His revealed will and a humble acknowledgment of His supreme holiness and majesty. This passage challenges us to consider if our worship is truly reverent, our obedience truly diligent, and our gratitude truly overflowing in response to God's constant presence and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the reverence shown by the Levites challenge our own approach to God's presence, His Word, and corporate worship today?**
* **What "great stones" or moments of profound divine intervention in our lives call for immediate, grateful worship and a renewed commitment to God's ways?**
* **In what ways might we, like the men of Bethshemesh (before their tragic error), be tempted to treat God's holy things casually, and how can we cultivate greater awe and obedience in our daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites specifically mentioned as taking down the Ark?**

Answer: The Levites, particularly the Kohathite clan, were divinely appointed by God to be the custodians and transporters of the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites' Duty to the Ark"). Their specific mention here emphasizes the return to proper, lawful handling of the Ark after its irregular and unlawful transport by the Philistines on a new cart. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's prescribed ways for approaching and serving Him, highlighting the restoration of covenantal order.

**What was the "great stone" used for?**

Answer: The "great stone" served as a makeshift altar or a sacred platform upon which the Ark and the coffer with the golden offerings were placed. Its use indicates the immediacy and spontaneity of the worship offered by the men of Bethshemesh. Since the Ark's arrival was unexpected, there was no pre-prepared, permanent altar, so a large, natural stone was consecrated for the purpose of offering burnt offerings and sacrifices to the [LORD](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM") in gratitude for the Ark's miraculous return and the vindication of His name.

**What was the significance of the "coffer" and its contents?**

Answer: The "coffer" contained the Philistines' "guilt offering" (Hebrew: `’asham`), which consisted of five golden tumors and five golden mice (cf. [1 Samuel 6:4-5](/1_samuel/6-4 "1 Samuel 6:4-5 - The Philistine Guilt Offering")). These were pagan votive offerings, symbolic representations of the plagues (tumors/boils and mice/rodents) that YHWH had inflicted upon them. The coffer and its contents signify the Philistines' reluctant acknowledgment of YHWH's power and their attempt to appease Him, thus confirming the divine hand in the Ark's return and YHWH's sovereignty over their false gods and the natural world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The return of the Ark to Bethshemesh, its proper handling by the Levites, and the subsequent sacrifices, all point forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Ark, as the preeminent symbol of God's presence among His people and the mercy seat where atonement was made, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is truly "Immanuel," God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). He is the true and greater Ark, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")), making God accessible in a way the physical Ark never could. The meticulous care taken by the Levites in handling the sacred Ark foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will and His role as our great High Priest, who alone can approach God on our behalf and offer a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The burnt offerings and sacrifices offered by the men of Bethshemesh, though necessary under the Old Covenant, were but shadows of the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which truly takes away sin and provides eternal access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Christ, God's presence is not merely contained within a box or limited to a specific place, but indwells believers by the Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers")), allowing us to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the restoration of God's presence in [1 Samuel 6:15](/1_samuel/6-15 "1 Samuel 6:15 - The Ark's Return to Bethshemesh") ultimately finds its glorious and permanent fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.