1 Samuel 6:21

KJV

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to the inhabitants {H3427} of Kirjathjearim {H7157}, saying {H559}, The Philistines {H6430} have brought again {H7725} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}; come ye down {H3381}, and fetch it up {H5927} to you.

Complete Jewish Bible

They sent messengers to the people living in Kiryat-Ye'arim with this message: "The P'lishtim have returned the ark of ADONAI. Come down and bring it back up with you."

Berean Standard Bible

So they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.”

American Standard Version

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Jehovah; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the catastrophic divine judgment upon the people of Beth-shemesh for their irreverent handling of the Ark of the LORD, the terrified survivors, overwhelmed by its sacred and perilous presence, dispatched messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim. Their urgent plea was for Kirjath-jearim to assume custody of the Ark, signaling their profound desire to rid themselves of a responsibility they could not bear, and thus initiating the next significant phase of the Ark's journey back into Israelite territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding action in a dramatic and somber sequence concerning the Ark of the LORD. It immediately follows the devastating judgment at Beth-shemesh, where 70 (or 50,070, depending on textual tradition) men died for presumptuously looking into the Ark, an act of sacrilege against God's holiness (compare with [1 Samuel 6:19](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19 - Divine Judgment at Beth-shemesh")). Prior to this, the Ark had been captured by the Philistines in battle ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured by Philistines")), leading to a series of plagues and the humiliation of their god Dagon across Philistine cities ([1 Samuel 5:1-12](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - God's Judgment on Dagon and the Philistines")). The Philistines, recognizing God's hand, returned the Ark to Israelite territory on a new cart drawn by cows, which miraculously brought it directly to Beth-shemesh ([1 Samuel 6:1-12](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark Returns to Israel")). The Beth-shemeshites' urgent invitation to Kirjath-jearim in [1 Samuel 6:21](/1_samuel/6-21 "1 Samuel 6:21 - The Ark Sent to Kirjath-jearim") is a direct consequence of their recent trauma and sets the stage for the Ark's long, quiet stay in Kirjath-jearim, as detailed in [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark's Long Stay in Kirjath-jearim").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel unfold during a pivotal transitional period in Israel's history, moving from the decentralized era of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. This was a time characterized by spiritual decline, intermittent Philistine oppression, and a general lack of consistent adherence to the Mosaic covenant. The Ark of the LORD was not merely a religious artifact; it was the preeminent symbol of Yahweh's presence, His throne, and the very heart of Israel's covenant relationship with Him. Its proper handling was meticulously prescribed in the Law, requiring specific priestly families (Kohathites) to carry it on poles (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Handling of the Ark")), and strictly forbidding anyone from looking inside. Both the Philistines' suffering and the Beth-shemeshites' deaths underscore the severe consequences of treating God's holiness casually, whether from ignorance or presumptuous disregard. Kirjath-jearim, meaning "city of forests," was a Gibeonite city (cf. [Joshua 9:17](/joshua/9-17 "Joshua 9:17 - Gibeonites Deceive Israel")) located on the border of Judah and Benjamin. Its likely elevated position explains the phrase "fetch it up," and its relative isolation may have made it a pragmatic, albeit temporary, resting place for the Ark.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching narrative surrounding the Ark's journey, culminating in the events of this verse, powerfully highlights several profound theological themes. First, the **absolute holiness and sovereignty of God** are undeniably demonstrated. Even when captured by enemies, God proves His inherent power over foreign gods and nations, and His holiness demands profound reverence from His own people. Second, the theme of **reverence and obedience** is paramount; the tragic deaths at Beth-shemesh serve as a stark warning against treating God's sacred commands and His manifest presence lightly. Third, the narrative reveals the **burden and responsibility of God's presence**. While the Ark was a symbol of divine blessing, guidance, and victory for Israel, its presence also carried immense responsibility and potential danger for those who failed to approach it according to God's prescribed ways. Finally, the **divine providence** is clearly evident, as God orchestrates the Ark's return to Israelite territory despite human failures and Philistine intentions, ensuring His sovereign purposes are ultimately fulfilled, even when His people are in spiritual disarray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** H7971, a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it signifies a deliberate dispatch of messengers, indicating the Beth-shemeshites' urgent and intentional act of divesting themselves of the Ark. Their sending of messengers, rather than moving the Ark themselves, underscores their fear and their desire to transfer the responsibility and peril associated with its presence.
* **ark (Hebrew, _'ârôwn'_):** H727, a term referring to a "box" or "chest," specifically the "Ark of the Covenant" or "Ark of the Testimony." This sacred chest contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, but more significantly, it was the symbolic throne of God, the place where He met with Israel (cf. [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaks from the Mercy Seat")). The consistent use of "the ark of the LORD" throughout this narrative emphasizes its divine ownership and the inherent holiness associated with Yahweh Himself, underscoring why its mishandling brought such severe consequences.
* **fetch it up (Hebrew, _'âlâh'_):** H5927, a primitive root meaning "to ascend" or "to bring up." This verb implies an upward movement or ascent, indicating that Kirjath-jearim was situated at a higher elevation than Beth-shemesh. This detail subtly reinforces the idea that taking custody of the Ark was a weighty, "uphill" task, both literally and metaphorically, signifying the immense responsibility being transferred to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying":** This clause identifies the agents of action as the surviving people of Beth-shemesh. Their decision to send messengers rather than transport the Ark themselves highlights their profound fear and desperation to divest themselves of this dangerous holy object. It signifies a crucial shift in responsibility, as they actively seek another community to bear the burden and perceived danger of the Ark's presence, demonstrating their inability or unwillingness to properly care for it.
* **"The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD":** This statement serves as a factual report, acknowledging the Ark's return from Philistine captivity. However, it also subtly shifts the immediate blame or responsibility for the Ark's presence away from themselves, as if to say, "It's not our fault it's here; the Philistines returned it, and now it's causing us trouble." This phrasing reflects their desire to present the situation as a matter of divine providence that has now become an unbearable problem for them, necessitating its transfer.
* **"come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you":** This is the core of their urgent plea, an invitation for the people of Kirjath-jearim to take the Ark. "Come ye down" suggests Kirjath-jearim was at a higher elevation, requiring a descent to Beth-shemesh. "Fetch it up to you" then implies the subsequent ascent with the Ark to Kirjath-jearim. This command encapsulates the transfer of a sacred, yet perilous, responsibility from one terrified community to another, driven by fear and the desperate desire for relief from the divine judgment they had experienced.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound meaning. There is a strong sense of **irony** present: the Ark, which was meant to be Israel's strength, their battle standard, and the symbol of God's protective presence, has ironically become a source of terror and death for both the pagan Philistines and the Israelites of Beth-shemesh. This highlights the double-edged nature of God's holiness – a blessing to those who obey and approach Him on His terms, but a consuming fire to those who disregard His commands. The narrative also uses **contrast** effectively, juxtaposing the Philistines' eventual cautious and respectful handling of the Ark (motivated by self-preservation and fear of Yahweh's power) with the Israelites of Beth-shemesh's catastrophic irreverence and presumption. Furthermore, the very act of sending messengers and the plea to "fetch it up" serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the long period of spiritual neglect and dormancy that the Ark would experience in Kirjath-jearim, where it would remain for two decades, largely forgotten and unvisited until King David's later efforts to bring it to Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, situated at the culmination of a series of divine judgments related to the Ark, powerfully underscores the unchanging holiness of God and the absolute necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The Ark, as the tangible representation of God's presence, was not a mere object to be handled casually or exploited for human gain. Its sacredness demanded meticulous adherence to divine commands, and any deviation, whether by Philistine ignorance or Israelite presumption, resulted in severe consequences. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that God's majesty cannot be trifled with; His presence, while a source of blessing and covenant promise, is also a consuming fire to those who disregard His revealed will. The Beth-shemeshites' desperate plea to Kirjath-jearim reveals a people more concerned with escaping the *effects* of God's holiness than with cultivating a proper *reverence* for Him, highlighting a spiritual immaturity that plagued Israel during this period.

* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Handling of Sacred Objects")
* [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death for Touching the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound fear that gripped Beth-shemesh after the judgment of the LORD is a stark reminder that God's holiness is not to be taken lightly. While we no longer have a physical Ark, the principles of reverence, obedience, and the awe-inspiring nature of God remain foundational to our relationship with Him. His presence is now manifested through His inspired Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit within believers, and in the gathered community of the church. This passage challenges us to examine how we approach God in our daily lives: Do we treat His Word with the profound respect and diligent study it deserves? Do we approach prayer and corporate worship with a deep sense of awe for His majesty, or with a casual familiarity that borders on irreverence? Just as the Ark was a weighty responsibility, so too is the stewardship of God's truth and His manifest presence entrusted to us as believers. We are called to bear His name and His Spirit in the world with utmost care and faithfulness, understanding that genuine reverence leads to life and spiritual flourishing, while presumption can lead to spiritual barrenness or even judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of the Ark's journey, particularly the judgment at Beth-shemesh, shape your understanding of God's holiness and His demand for reverence?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be treating God or spiritual matters with a casualness that lacks proper awe and respect?**
* **What "Ark" or spiritual responsibility has God entrusted to you (e.g., your faith, your family, your church, your calling), and how are you handling it with the care and faithfulness it requires?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God in your personal worship, daily walk, and interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people of Beth-shemesh so eager to get rid of the Ark?**

Answer: The people of Beth-shemesh were eager to get rid of the Ark because they had experienced a severe and terrifying divine judgment. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, some Beth-shemeshites looked inside it, violating God's explicit commands regarding the Ark's sacredness and the proper way to approach it (cf. [Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Do Not Look at Holy Things")). This act of irreverence resulted in the death of many, instilling profound fear and a desperate desire to distance themselves from an object that, to them, had become a source of death and dread rather than blessing. They perceived the Ark not as a symbol of God's covenant presence to be cherished and revered, but as a dangerous and unbearable burden.

**What was the significance of Kirjath-jearim in this narrative?**

Answer: Kirjath-jearim, meaning "city of forests," was a Gibeonite city that later became part of Judah's territory. Its significance in this narrative is primarily as the next, and importantly, long-term resting place for the Ark of the LORD. The Beth-shemeshites, overwhelmed by the Ark's presence and the judgment it brought, urgently appealed to Kirjath-jearim to take custody of it. The Ark remained in Kirjath-jearim, specifically at the house of Abinadab, for a significant period of twenty years (cf. [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark's Long Stay in Kirjath-jearim")) until King David later orchestrated its transfer to Jerusalem (cf. [2 Samuel 6:1-19](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). Its elevated location, implied by the command to "fetch it up," and perhaps its relative obscurity, made it a suitable, albeit temporary and somewhat neglected, solution for the Ark's housing during a period of spiritual decline and instability in Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Ark of the LORD, a central and potent symbol in the Old Testament, represented the very presence of God dwelling among His people, yet it was a veiled and dangerous presence, accessible to all but a select few under incredibly strict conditions. The fear and judgment associated with its mishandling, as powerfully illustrated in the events of [1 Samuel 6:19-21](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19-21 - Judgment and Transfer of the Ark"), vividly demonstrate humanity's inherent inability to stand in the unmediated presence of a perfectly holy God without incurring His righteous wrath. However, this narrative finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect "Ark" of God's presence, for in Him "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Unlike the physical Ark, which brought death to those who approached it improperly, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and triumphant resurrection, has become the ultimate "mercy seat" (cf. [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Atoning Sacrifice"); [Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "Hebrews 9:5 - The Mercy Seat")) through whom we can now boldly approach God's throne of grace without fear of judgment, finding grace and help in time of need (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). He is the one who "fetches us up," not to a temporary dwelling place in Kirjath-jearim, but into eternal fellowship with God, making us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, living temples where God's presence safely and intimately resides (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"); [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple")). The fear of the Ark's consuming presence is transformed into the joy and peace of God's indwelling presence through Christ, who has perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of God's holiness on our behalf, bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity.

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

1 Chronicles 13:5

So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

1 Chronicles 13:6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

Joshua 18:14

And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter.

Joshua 9:17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities [were] Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

Judges 18:12

And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, [it is] behind Kirjathjearim.

Psalms 78:60

So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent [which] he placed among men;

Joshua 15:9

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim: