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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 6:10–18. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And the five lords of the Philistines saw, etc. All who have preceded in Christ, so long contemplate the faith and deeds of those succeeding them in Him as in a mirror, until they recognize them also as firm in faith and progressing well; and thus, becoming more assured of their salvation, they return to the homes of their own conversation to be cared for. It can also be understood of hypocrites, who, although they seem for a time to imitate the way of life, yet do not merit to enter the gates of Beth-shemesh, that is, of the Sun of righteousness, because of the instability of their left-leaning mind.
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Summary
1 Samuel 6:16 marks the decisive conclusion of the Ark of the Covenant's miraculous journey back to Israelite territory, detailing the immediate and profound reaction of the five Philistine lords. Having personally witnessed the undeniable evidence of Yahweh's sovereign power—demonstrated by the unguided cows transporting the Ark directly to Beth-shemesh—these pagan rulers swiftly returned to Ekron. Their retreat signified a clear acknowledgment of the divine hand at work and an urgent desire to distance themselves from the formidable consequences associated with the presence of Israel's God.
Context
Literary Context
This verse provides a crucial concluding statement to the extended narrative of the Ark's captivity among the Philistines, a saga that commenced with its capture in 1 Samuel 4. Following the Philistines' seizure of the Ark and the subsequent plagues that afflicted their cities and their god Dagon (1 Samuel 5), the Philistine lords, in desperation, devised a test to ascertain if the calamities were indeed from the God of Israel (1 Samuel 6:1-9). The preceding verses meticulously describe the miraculous journey of the Ark on a new cart, pulled by two milk cows that had never been yoked, which, defying natural instinct, headed directly for Beth-shemesh without human guidance (1 Samuel 6:10-15). Verse 16 highlights the Philistine leaders' immediate and definitive response to this undeniable proof of divine intervention, marking the definitive 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, often dominating the region. In their polytheistic culture, it was common for people to attribute natural disasters or military defeats to the wrath of a particular deity, and they often sought to appease these gods through offerings, as evidenced by their "guilt offering" of golden tumors and mice (1 Samuel 6:4-5). The specific test involving unyoked cows separated from their calves was ingeniously designed to eliminate any natural or human explanation for the Ark's return, thereby providing an unambiguous sign of divine agency. Their collective presence at the border to observe the outcome underscores the immense gravity of the situation and their official capacity in witnessing these extraordinary events. Their swift return to Ekron, the last city to experience the severe plagues, vividly demonstrates their urgent desire to distance themselves from the overwhelming power of the God of Israel.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the Divine Sovereignty and Power of Yahweh, demonstrating His absolute control over all nations and natural phenomena, even those hostile to His covenant people. The Philistine lords, despite their own formidable gods and military might, are utterly compelled to acknowledge the undeniable supremacy of Israel's God. Secondly, it highlights the theme of God's Self-Revelation, as He actively reveals His presence, holiness, and judgment not only to Israel but also to pagan nations, forcing them to bear unwilling witness to His truth. Lastly, the Philistines' harrowing experience with the Ark vividly illustrates the Consequences of Mishandling Sacred Things and the inherent danger of opposing God's holy presence without proper reverence. Their immediate departure signifies their profound understanding that continued proximity to the Ark, without appropriate respect and ritual purity, invited severe and destructive consequences, reinforcing the principle that God's holiness demands profound awe and obedience from all.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H7200) implies more than a casual glance; it denotes a comprehensive observation, a perception that leads to deep 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 and unwavering path to Israelite territory, and its reception by the Levites at Beth-shemesh. This witnessing led them to an inescapable and definitive conclusion about the divine source of their recent afflictions.
This is a unique Philistine title (H5633) 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, collective, and unanimous nature of their acknowledgment of God's power. Their united decision to return to Ekron was a strategic and fear-driven response from the highest echelons of Philistine leadership, signaling a profound shift in their understanding of Israel's God.
This primitive root (H7725) signifies a turning back, a decisive departure, or a retreat. In this context, it powerfully highlights the immediacy and finality of their action. Having received undeniable, miraculous proof of Yahweh's overwhelming 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 implicit 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 carefully devised test, signifies the critical importance they placed on understanding the true source of their plagues. The phrase "[it]" refers to the entire miraculous process of the Ark's unguided and divinely directed return to Israelite territory, a spectacle that left no room for 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, decisive, and unified reaction of the Philistine lords. Their swift departure back to Ekron, the last city to suffer from the Ark's devastating 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 sheer urgency and finality of their retreat, marking a definitive end to their direct involvement with the Ark and their reluctant but undeniable 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 initially captured the Ark as a trophy of war and a symbol of their supposed victory over Israel's God, are now desperate to return it, becoming unwilling witnesses to the very power they sought to subjugate. This profound reversal of fortune powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human endeavors and even pagan deities. There is also a strong element of Narrative Closure, as this verse brings a definitive and satisfying 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 potent Symbol of their defeat and the undeniable victory of Yahweh over Dagon and the Philistine pantheon. Furthermore, the Philistine lords' reaction Foreshadows future instances throughout biblical history where God's enemies are compelled to acknowledge His power, even if it is out of fear rather than genuine reverence or worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The Philistine lords' forced acknowledgment of Yahweh's power, despite their paganism and initial hostility, profoundly underscores God's universal sovereignty. His ability to act decisively, even through seemingly natural means (such as unguided cows defying instinct), to protect His holiness and deliver His people, transcends all human understanding, control, and religious systems. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that He is not confined to the nation of Israel but reveals His glory to all, often compelling even His adversaries to recognize His undeniable supremacy. The narrative teaches that God's truth is inherently self-attesting, and His power is ultimately undeniable, demanding a response from all who encounter it, whether in submission or fearful retreat.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of the Ark's return, culminating in the Philistine lords' swift retreat, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's power and truth are inherently self-attesting; they do not require human validation or permission but often compel recognition even from those who are hostile, indifferent, or actively resistant. Just as the Philistine leaders were forced to confront the stark reality of God's active presence and judgment through undeniable signs, so too are individuals today confronted with the compelling evidence of His existence and active involvement through creation, the inner witness of 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, humble submission, and transformative faith. Understanding God's undeniable sovereignty should fundamentally transform our lives, moving us from a posture of resistance or apathy to one of humble worship and eager obedience, recognizing that true peace, security, and blessing are found only in aligning ourselves with His divine and perfect will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were there "five" lords mentioned?
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, often acting in concert. Their collective presence at the scene 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 highest 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 urgent desire to be rid of its consequences, as vividly described in 1 Samuel 5:11-12.
What is the significance of them returning "the same day"?
The phrase "the same day" (Hebrew: bayyom hahu') powerfully emphasizes the immediacy, urgency, and finality 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. Their swift retreat from the scene and from proximity to the Ark underscores their profound fear and their reluctant but undeniable recognition of the Israelite God's overwhelming power and judgment. It marks a definitive end to their direct involvement with the Ark's return and their acknowledgment of God's undeniable hand in the events that had transpired.
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 and the locus of His covenant, brought judgment upon those who treated it irreverently or opposed its divine authority, so too does Jesus Christ embody the very presence of God, bringing both judgment upon sin and glorious salvation to those who believe. The Philistine lords, witnessing undeniable divine power, were compelled to acknowledge a truth they initially resisted and sought to control. Similarly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate, undeniable proof of God's sovereign power over sin, death, and all earthly authorities, compelling recognition from all humanity. While some, like the Philistine lords, may retreat in fear or seek to distance themselves from this overwhelming truth, others are drawn to genuine repentance and saving faith. The New Testament reveals that ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, whether in willing adoration and joyful submission or in forced, fearful acknowledgment at the final judgment. The Ark's journey, bringing both blessing and judgment, powerfully foreshadows Christ's multifaceted mission: to confront the power of sin, establish God's eternal reign, and ultimately draw all people to Himself, offering rest for the weary and burdened and eternal life to those who believe in Him. The Philistines' experience with the Ark serves as a powerful Old Testament witness to the universal and inescapable reality of God's power and holiness, fully unveiled and perfectly embodied in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.