TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The Levites took down the LORD’s ark, and the coffer that was with it, in which 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 to the LORD.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Leuites tooke downe the Arke of the Lord, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the iewels of golde were, and put them on the great stone, and the men of Beth-shemesh offred burnt offring, and sacrificed sacrifices that same day vnto the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
And the Levites have taken down the ark of Jehovah, and the coffer which is with it, in which are the vessels of gold, and place them on the great stone; and the men of Beth-Shemesh have caused to ascend burnt-offerings and sacrifice sacrifices in that day to Jehovah;
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 7,347 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 6 verses 10–18
10 ¶ And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:
11 And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.
12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.
13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.
15 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.
16 And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.
17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.
We are here told,
I. How the Philistines dismissed the ark, Sa1 6:10, Sa1 6:11. They were made as glad to part with it as ever they had been to take it. As God had fetched Israel out of the house of bondage, so now he fetched the ark out of its captivity, in such a manner as that Egypt was glad when they departed, Psa 105:38. 1. They received no money or price for the ransom of it, as they hoped to do, even beyond a king's ransom. Thus it is prophesied of Cyrus (Isa 45:13), He shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward. Nay, 2. They gave jewels of gold, as the Egyptians did to the Israelites, to be rid of it. Thus the ark that was carried into the land of the Philistines, a trophy of their victory, carried back with it trophies of its own, and lasting monuments of the disgrace of the Philistines. Note, God will be no loser in his glory, at last, by the successes of the church's enemies against his ark, but will get himself honour from those that seek to do dishonour to him.
II. How the kine brought it to the land of Israel, Sa1 6:12. They took the straight way to Beth-shemesh, the next city of the land of Israel, and a priests' city, and turned not aside. This was a wonderful instance of the power of God over the brute-creatures, and, all things considered, no less than a miracle, that cattle unaccustomed to the yoke should draw so even, so orderly, and still go forward, - that, without any driver, they should go from home, to which all tame creatures have a natural inclination, and from their own calves, to which they had a natural affection, - that, without any director, they should go the straight road to Beth-shemesh, a city eight or ten miles off, never miss the way, never turn aside into the fields to feed themselves, nor turn back home to feed their calves. They went on lowing for their young ones, by which it appeared that they had not forgotten them, but that nature was sensible of the grievance of going from them; the power of the God of nature therefore appeared so much the greater, in overruling one of the strongest instincts of nature. These two kine, says Dr. Lightfoot, knew their owner, their great owner (Isa 1:3), whom Hophni and Phinehas knew not, to which I may add they brought home the ark to shame the stupidity of Israel, that made no attempt to fetch it home. God's providence is conversant about the motions even of brute-creatures, and serves its own purposes by them. The lords of the Philistines, with a suitable retinue no doubt, went after them, wondering at the power of the God of Israel; and thus those who thought to triumph over the ark were made to go like menial servants after it.
III. How it was welcomed to the land of Israel: The men of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat-harvest, Sa1 6:13. They were going on with their worldly business, and were in no care about the ark, made no enquiries what had become of it; if they had, it is likely they might have had private intelligence beforehand of its coming, and might have gone to meet it, and conduct it into their own border. But they were as careless as the people that ceiled their own houses and let God's house lie waste. Note, God will in his own time effect the deliverance of his church, not only though it be fought against by its enemies, but though it be neglected by its friends. Some observe that the returning ark found the men of Beth-shemesh, not idling or sporting in the streets of the city, but busy, reaping their corn in their fields, and well employed. Thus the tidings of the birth of Christ were brought to the shepherds when they were keeping their flock by night. The devil visits idle men with his temptations. God visits industrious men with his favours. The same invisible hand that directed the kine to the land of Israel brought them into the field of Joshua, and in that field they stood, some think for the owner's sake, on whom, being a very good man, they suppose God designed to put this honour. I rather think it was for the sake of the great stone in that field, which was convenient to put the ark upon, and which is spoken of, v. 14, 15, 18. Now, 1. When the reapers saw the ark, they rejoiced (v. 13); their joy for that was greater than the joy of harvest, and therefore they left their work to bid it welcome. When the Lord turned again the captivity of his ark they were like men that dream; then was their mouth filled with laughter, Psa 126:1, Psa 126:2. Though they had not zeal and courage enough to attempt the rescue or ransom of it, yet, when it did come, they bade it heartily welcome. Note, The return of the ark, and the revival of holy ordinances, after days of restraint and trouble, cannot but be matter of great joy to every faithful Israelite. 3. They offered up the kine for a burnt-offering, to the honour of God, and made use of the wood of the cart for fuel, Sa1 6:14. Probably the Philistines intended these, when they sent them, to be a part of their trespass-offering, to make atonement, Sa1 6:3, Sa1 6:7. However, the men of Beth-shemesh looked upon it as proper to make this use of them, because it was by no means fit that ever they should be put to any other use; never shall that cart carry any common thing that has once carried that sacred symbol of the divine presence: and the kine had been under such an immediate guidance of heaven that God had, as it were, already laid claim to them; they were servants to him, and therefore must be sacrifices to him, and no doubt were accepted, though females, whereas, in strictness, every burnt-offering was to be a male. 3. They deposited the ark, with a chest of jewels that the Philistines presented, upon the great stone in the open field, a cold lodging for the ark of the Lord and a very mean one; yet better so than in Dagon's temple, or in the hands of the Philistines. It is desirable to see the ark in its habitation in all the circumstances of solemnity and splendour; but better have it upon a great stone, and in the fields of the wood, than be without it. The intrinsic grandeur of instituted ordinances ought not to be diminished in our eyes by the meanness and poverty of the place where they are administered. As the burning of the cart and cows that brought home the ark might be construed to signify their hopes that it should never be carried away again out of the land of Israel, so the setting of it upon a great stone might signify their hopes that it should be established again upon a firm foundation. The church is built upon a rock. 4. They offered the sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, some think upon the great stone, more probably upon an altar of earth made for the purpose, Sa1 6:15. And, the case being extraordinary, the law for offering at the altar in the court of the tabernacle was dispensed with, and the more easily because Shiloh was now dismantled; God himself had forsaken it, and the ark, which was its chief glory, they had with them here. Beth-shemesh, though it lay within the lot of the tribe of Dan, yet belonged to Judah, so that this accidental bringing of the ark hither was an indication of its designed settlement there, in process of time; for, when God refused the tabernacle of Joseph, he chose the tribe of Judah, Psa 78:67, Psa 78:68. It was one of those cities which were assigned out of the lot of Judah to the sons of Aaron, Jos 21:16. Whither should the ark go but to a priests' city? And it was well they had those of that sacred order ready (for though they are here called Levites, Sa1 6:15, yet it should seem they were priests) both to take down the ark and to offer the sacrifices. 5. The lords of the Philistines returned to Ekron, much affected, we may suppose, with what they had seen of the glory of God and the zeal of the Israelites, and yet not reclaimed from the worship of Dagon; for how seldom has a nation changed its gods, though they were no gods! Jer 2:11. Though they cannot but think the God of Israel glorious in holiness and fearful in praises, yet they are resolved they will think Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, at least as good as he, and to him they will cleave because he is theirs. 6. Notice is taken of the continuance of the great stone in the same place; there it is unto this day (Sa1 6:18), because it remained a lasting memorial of this great event, and served to support the traditional history by which it was transmitted to posterity. The fathers would say to the children, "This is the stone upon which the ark of God was set when it came out of the Philistines' hands, a thing never to be forgotten."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–18. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
The Levites, however, laid down the Ark of God, etc. Ministers of the word, receiving faith and examples of the lives of saints from those who have preceded in Christ, did not place these things in some base and lowly earthly breast, but in those which they saw as firm in Christ. That great stone can be not inappropriately referred to the people who glory in the law (for the law is written on stone); and the ark placed upon the stone may be understood, when the people emulating the law have received the faith of grace.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
But the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings, etc. Whosoever belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its vices and desires (Gal. V). And elsewhere: I beseech you, he says, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Rom. XII).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Samuel 6:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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 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 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.
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). 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), 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 6:15 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" (1 Samuel 6:7) 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 (1 Samuel 6:19), 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.
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
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. 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 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 (1 Samuel 6:4-5). 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). He is the true and greater Ark, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), 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). 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). 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), allowing us to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Thus, the restoration of God's presence in 1 Samuel 6:15 ultimately finds its glorious and permanent fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.