1 Samuel 6:16

KJV

And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen [it], they returned to Ekron the same day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the five {H2568} lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} had seen {H7200} it, they returned {H7725} to Ekron {H6138} the same day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Upon seeing this, the five leaders of the P'lishtim returned that day to 'Ekron.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the five rulers of the Philistines saw this, they returned to Ekron that same day.

American Standard Version

And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 6:16 concludes the miraculous journey of the Ark of the Covenant back to Israelite territory, detailing the swift and decisive reaction of the five Philistine lords. Having personally witnessed the undeniable evidence of God's power—the unguided cows transporting the Ark directly to Beth-shemesh—these pagan rulers immediately returned to Ekron, acknowledging the divine hand at work and seeking to distance themselves from the consequences of its presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a crucial concluding statement to the narrative of the Ark's captivity among the Philistines, which began in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark"). Following the Philistine's capture of the Ark and the subsequent plagues that afflicted their cities ([1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines")), the Philistine lords devised a test to determine if the plagues were indeed from the God of Israel ([1 Samuel 6:1-9](/1_samuel/6-1 "1 Samuel 6:1-9 - The Philistines Send Back the Ark")). The preceding verses describe the miraculous journey of the Ark on a new cart pulled by two milk cows that had never been yoked, which, against natural instinct, headed directly for Beth-shemesh without human guidance ([1 Samuel 6:10-15](/1_samuel/6-10 "1 Samuel 6:10-15 - The Ark Returns to Israel")). Verse 16 highlights the Philistine leaders' immediate and definitive response to this undeniable proof of divine intervention, marking the end of the Ark's stay in Philistine territory and setting the stage for its reception by the Israelites at Beth-shemesh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "five lords of the Philistines" refer to the rulers of the five major Philistine city-states: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. These cities formed a powerful confederacy that frequently clashed with Israel. In their polytheistic culture, it was common for people to attribute natural disasters to the wrath of a god, and they often sought to appease deities through offerings, as seen in their "guilt offering" of golden tumors and mice ([1 Samuel 6:4-5](/1_samuel/6-4 "1 Samuel 6:4-5 - The Philistine Guilt Offering")). The specific test involving unyoked cows separated from their calves was designed to eliminate any natural explanation for the Ark's return, thereby providing a clear sign of divine agency. Their presence at the border to observe the outcome underscores the gravity of the situation and their official capacity in witnessing the events. Their swift return to Ekron, the last city to experience the severe plagues, demonstrates their urgent desire to distance themselves from the power of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Power** of Yahweh, demonstrating His absolute control over all nations, even those hostile to His people. The Philistine lords, despite their own gods and military might, are compelled to acknowledge the supremacy of Israel's God. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Self-Revelation**, as He reveals His active presence and judgment not only to Israel but also to pagan nations, forcing them to bear unwilling witness to His truth. Lastly, the Philistines' experience with the Ark illustrates the **Consequences of Mishandling Sacred Things** and the inherent danger of opposing God's holy presence. Their immediate departure signifies their understanding that continued proximity to the Ark, without proper reverence, invited severe consequences, reinforcing the principle that God's holiness demands respect and obedience from all.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This word implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a comprehensive observation, a perception that leads to understanding and conviction. The Philistine lords had not merely looked at the Ark's journey but had witnessed the entire, undeniable sequence of events—the unguided cows, the Ark's direct path to Israelite territory, and its reception by the Levites at Beth-shemesh. This witnessing led them to a definitive conclusion about the divine source of their affliction.
* **lords (Hebrew, _seranim'_):** This is a unique Philistine title for their rulers, indicating their highest political and military authority. The fact that all five lords, representing the entire Philistine confederacy, were present and witnessed the event emphasizes the official and unanimous nature of the acknowledgment of God's power. Their collective decision to return to Ekron was a strategic and fearful response from the highest levels of Philistine leadership.
* **returned (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** This verb signifies a turning back or a decisive departure. In this context, it highlights the immediacy and finality of their action. Having received undeniable proof of Yahweh's power, the lords wasted no time in retreating to their own territory, seeking to distance themselves from the divine force that had wreaked havoc in their cities. Their return was an act of self-preservation and an admission of defeat in the face of Israel's God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen [it]":** This clause emphasizes the direct, personal observation of the highest Philistine authorities. Their presence at the border, monitoring the outcome of their test, signifies the critical importance they placed on understanding the source of their plagues. The phrase "[it]" refers to the entire miraculous process of the Ark's unguided return to Israelite territory, a spectacle that left no doubt in their minds about the supernatural power at work.
* **"they returned to Ekron the same day":** This part of the verse highlights the immediate and decisive reaction of the Philistine lords. Their swift departure back to Ekron, the last city to suffer from the Ark's presence, underscores their profound fear and their urgent desire to escape the manifested power of the God of Israel. The phrase "the same day" conveys the finality and urgency of their retreat, marking a definitive end to their direct involvement with the Ark and their acknowledgment of its divine, destructive power.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of the Ark's return, culminating in 1 Samuel 6:16, is rich with **Irony**. The Philistines, who captured the Ark as a trophy of war and a symbol of their victory over Israel's God, are now desperate to return it, becoming unwilling witnesses to the very power they sought to subjugate. This reversal of fortune highlights God's sovereignty. There is also an element of **Narrative Closure**, as this verse brings a definitive end to the dramatic saga of the Ark's captivity among the Philistines, providing a clear resolution before the narrative shifts to its reception in Israel. The immediate return of the lords serves as a **Symbol** of their defeat and the undeniable victory of Yahweh over Dagon and the Philistine pantheon. Furthermore, the Philistine lords' reaction **Foreshadows** future instances where God's enemies are compelled to acknowledge His power, even if it is out of fear rather than reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Philistine lords' forced acknowledgment of Yahweh's power, despite their paganism, underscores God's universal sovereignty. His ability to act decisively, even through seemingly natural means (cows), to protect His holiness and deliver His people, transcends human understanding and control. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in history, demonstrating that He is not confined to Israel but reveals His glory to all, often compelling even His adversaries to recognize His supremacy. The narrative teaches that God's truth is self-attesting and His power undeniable, demanding a response from all who encounter it.

* [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed to Pharaoh")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Ark's return, culminating in the Philistine lords' retreat, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's power and truth are self-attesting; they do not require human validation but often compel recognition even from those who are hostile or indifferent. Just as the Philistine leaders were forced to confront the reality of God's active presence and judgment, so too are individuals today confronted with the undeniable evidence of His existence through creation, conscience, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan in history. This encounter should not merely elicit fear or a desire to escape consequences, but a profound reverence that leads to genuine repentance and submission. Understanding God's undeniable sovereignty should transform our lives, moving us from a posture of resistance to one of humble worship and obedience, recognizing that true peace and blessing are found only in aligning ourselves with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you, perhaps unknowingly, resisting God's sovereignty, much like the Philistines initially did?**
* **How does the undeniable evidence of God's power, as seen in this narrative, encourage your faith or challenge your complacency?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and submission to God's will in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were there "five" lords mentioned?**

Answer: The "five lords" (Hebrew: _seranim_) refer to the rulers of the five principal Philistine city-states: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. This confederacy was a significant political and military power in the region. Their collective presence underscores the official and unanimous recognition of the miraculous events surrounding the Ark's return, indicating that the decision to send it back was a unified one among the Philistine leadership, not just a localized response. Their return to Ekron specifically highlights the final city to be afflicted by the Ark's presence, emphasizing their desire to be rid of its consequences, as described in [1 Samuel 5:11-12](/1_samuel/5-11 "1 Samuel 5:11-12 - Plagues in Ekron").

**What is the significance of them returning "the same day"?**

Answer: The phrase "the same day" (Hebrew: _bayyom hahu'_) emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of their departure. It signifies that the Philistine lords had seen enough; the miraculous journey of the Ark, guided by unyoked cows directly to Israelite territory, left no room for doubt or further deliberation, as detailed in [1 Samuel 6:12](/1_samuel/6-12 "1 Samuel 6:12 - The Cows Go Straight to Beth-shemesh"). Their swift retreat from the scene and from proximity to the Ark underscores their profound fear and recognition of the Israelite God's overwhelming power and judgment, and their desire to distance themselves from its effects as quickly as possible. It marks a definitive end to their involvement with the Ark's return and their acknowledgment of God's undeniable hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Ark's return and the Philistine lords' reluctant acknowledgment of God's power finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as the Ark, symbolizing God's holy presence, brought judgment upon those who treated it irreverently, so too does Christ embody the very presence of God, bringing both judgment and salvation. The Philistine lords, witnessing undeniable divine power, were compelled to acknowledge a truth they initially resisted. Similarly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate, undeniable proof of God's sovereign power, compelling recognition from all humanity. While some, like the Philistine lords, may retreat in fear or seek to distance themselves from this truth, others are drawn to repentance and faith. The New Testament reveals that every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), whether in willing adoration or forced submission. The Ark's journey foreshadows Christ's mission: to confront sin, establish God's reign, and ultimately draw all people to Himself, offering [rest for the weary and burdened](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary") and [eternal life to those who believe](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World"). The Philistines' experience with the Ark serves as a powerful Old Testament witness to the universal and inescapable reality of God's power, fully unveiled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Judges 3:3

[Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

1 Samuel 6:4

Then said they, What [shall be] the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, [according to] the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague [was] on you all, and on your lords.

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

1 Samuel 6:12

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.

Judges 16:23

Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

Judges 16:30

And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with [all his] might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that [were] therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than [they] which he slew in his life.

Judges 16:5

And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.