1 Samuel 6:3

KJV

And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, If ye send away {H7971} the ark {H727} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, send {H7971} it not empty {H7387}; but in any wise {H7725} return {H7725} him a trespass offering {H817}: then ye shall be healed {H7495}, and it shall be known {H3045} to you why his hand {H3027} is not removed {H5493} from you.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "If you do send off the ark of the God of Isra'el, don't send it back empty, but return it with some sort of guilt offering for him. Then you will be cured, and you will learn why he has not stopped oppressing you."

Berean Standard Bible

They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”

American Standard Version

And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but by all means return him a trespass-offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 6:3, the Philistine priests and diviners offer critical counsel to their leaders regarding the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. Having endured a series of devastating plagues and afflictions as a direct consequence of possessing the sacred Ark, they emphatically advise against sending it back empty. Instead, they insist on accompanying it with a "trespass offering," believing this act of propitiation will appease the God of Israel, bring an end to the divine judgment, and definitively reveal the reason for their prolonged suffering. This counsel underscores their pragmatic attempt to resolve a dire national crisis, compellingly acknowledging the formidable power of Yahweh even from a pagan perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a pivotal juncture in the narrative, immediately following the Philistines' capture of the Ark of the Covenant in [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured by Philistia"). Chapters 5 and 6 meticulously detail the catastrophic impact of the Ark's presence within Philistine territory. The divine judgment commenced with the profound humiliation of Dagon, their chief deity, whose idol repeatedly toppled and was broken before the Ark in Ashdod, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy ([1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1-5 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - The Ark in Ashdod and Dagon's Fall")). Subsequently, a severe plague of tumors, coupled with an infestation of mice, afflicted the populations of Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron, escalating the Philistine distress ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6-12 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues in Philistia")). Overwhelmed by these undeniable divine judgments, the Philistine lords decide to return the Ark to Israel. Verse 3, therefore, encapsulates the culmination of their desperate search for a solution, as their religious experts provide the precise ritualistic requirements for appeasing the God of Israel and bringing an end to the plague. It directly sets the stage for the Philistines' subsequent execution of this plan, involving the construction of a new cart and the use of unyoked cows ([1 Samuel 6:7-12](/1_samuel/6-7-12 "1 Samuel 6:7-12 - The Ark's Miraculous Return Journey")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines, a formidable "Sea Peoples" group, had established a powerful presence on the coastal plain of Canaan, frequently engaging in conflict with the Israelites. Their polytheistic religious system encompassed a pantheon of deities, prominently featuring Dagon, Baal, and Ashtoreth. Within the broader ancient Near East, it was a deeply ingrained cultural practice to interpret widespread calamities—such as plagues, famine, or military defeats—as direct manifestations of a deity's anger, often provoked by a perceived offense or violation. Consequently, the Philistine priests and diviners, operating within their own established religious frameworks, logically attributed the severe afflictions to divine punishment emanating from the God of Israel. Their recommendation of a "trespass offering" (Hebrew: *'asham*) resonates with ancient Near Eastern concepts of propitiation and restitution, aimed at appeasing offended deities. While they did not fully comprehend the intricacies of Mosaic Law, they intuitively recognized the necessity of a compensatory offering for their wrongful seizure and prolonged detention of a sacred object belonging to a powerful deity. This demonstrates a pragmatic, albeit pagan, acknowledgment of Yahweh's unique demands.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and inviolable holiness of Yahweh** over all other gods, even when His Ark is in pagan territory. The Philistines' harrowing experience unequivocally demonstrates that the God of Israel cannot be confined, controlled, or treated like their inanimate idols; He actively and decisively defends His honor and His Ark, even among His enemies ([1 Samuel 5:1-12](/1_samuel/5-1-12 "1 Samuel 5:1-12 - The Ark's Power and Philistine Plagues")). Secondly, it vividly reveals the theme of **divine judgment and its inevitable consequences**. The plagues are unequivocally understood by the Philistines as a direct manifestation of God's powerful "hand" ([1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6 - The Hand of the Lord Afflicts Ashdod")) against them for their transgression. Thirdly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **atonement and restitution**, albeit imperfectly grasped by the Philistines. Their insistence on a "trespass offering" reflects an intuitive recognition that an offense against a holy God necessitates a specific act of appeasement to restore order and remove the divine curse. Finally, there is a clear theme of **seeking clarity and healing**, as the Philistines earnestly hope that through this prescribed offering, the plagues will cease, and they will gain a definitive understanding of the precise reason for their suffering, transitioning from a state of ignorance and affliction to one of peace and knowledge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, _'âshâm'_):** This term (H817) refers to a specific type of sacrifice within the Mosaic Law, often translated as "guilt offering." Unlike the sin offering (*hatta't*), which typically addressed unintentional sins, the *'asham* specifically dealt with offenses that involved a violation of rights, a breach of trust, or damage to property, particularly God's holy things, and frequently required restitution in addition to the sacrifice ([Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14-19 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Guilt Offering for Violations")). The Philistine priests, though outside the covenant, intuitively grasped that their seizure and detention of the Ark constituted a profound violation against the God of Israel, demanding a compensatory offering to make amends and avert further divine wrath. Their selection of this specific type of offering, even without full knowledge of Israelite sacrificial law, is remarkably apt for an offense against God's holy presence and property.
* **Healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This verb (H7495) signifies not merely physical healing, but a comprehensive restoration from a state of brokenness, disease, or divine judgment. Here, it encompasses the cessation of the devastating plagues and the restoration of well-being, health, and peace to the afflicted Philistine cities. The Philistines understood that the "hand" of the God of Israel had brought sickness and death upon them, and they sought a spiritual and physical remedy, believing that the trespass offering would bring about this comprehensive healing and remove the persistent divine affliction.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This noun (H3027), often used figuratively, denotes power, means, or direction. In this context, "his hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism referring to the active, direct, and punitive power of God. The phrase "his hand is not removed from you" vividly conveys the relentless and inescapable nature of God's judgment that had been afflicting the Philistines. They sought not just relief from symptoms, but the complete withdrawal of the divine power that was causing their suffering, acknowledging its source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty;":** This opening clause presents the Philistine priests' and diviners' initial, fundamental instruction regarding the Ark's return. It immediately establishes that the Ark's transfer must not be a mere logistical act. The phrase "send it not empty" carries significant weight, implying that an empty return would be an insult, an incomplete act, or a failure to adequately acknowledge the severity of their offense or the supreme power of the deity involved. It sets the crucial precedent for the necessity of an accompanying propitiatory offering.
* **"but in any wise return him a trespass offering:":** This is the core of their counsel, specifying the precise nature of the required appeasement. The "trespass offering" (Hebrew: *'asham*) indicates their profound recognition that their actions against the Ark constituted a specific violation requiring not just a general sacrifice, but a targeted act of restitution or compensation. This suggests a remarkably sophisticated understanding, even from a pagan perspective, that the God of Israel demanded an offering that directly addressed the specific offense of profaning His holy presence and property.
* **"then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.":** This final, comprehensive clause articulates the two anticipated and desired outcomes of their prescribed action. "Then ye shall be healed" refers to the cessation of the devastating plagues, the restoration of health, and the return of peace to their afflicted cities. The second part, "and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you," reveals their deep desire for clarity, confirmation, and a definitive sign. They sought not only relief from suffering but also an undeniable empirical validation that their actions were indeed the cause of the divine judgment and that their proposed solution was effective, thereby moving from fearful ignorance to assured understanding.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is strikingly present, as the pagan Philistine priests, despite their profound ignorance of Yahweh's covenantal law and His unique nature, articulate a remarkably accurate and fitting understanding of the need for a specific offering to atone for an offense against God's holiness. Their counsel, born of desperation and pagan religious intuition, aligns surprisingly well with the principles of the Mosaic Law regarding guilt offerings. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident in the vivid phrase "his hand is not removed from you," which attributes a human-like appendage and action (the "hand" of God bringing persistent judgment) to the divine. This imagery powerfully conveys the direct, personal, and unceasing nature of God's intervention and judgment. Furthermore, the passage contains an element of **foreshadowing**, as the Philistines' pragmatic, yet ultimately incomplete, understanding of atonement points forward to the ultimate, perfect trespass offering that would one day be made, though they could not have conceived of its divine scope and efficacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the universal principle that sin, particularly against God's holiness and sacred things, incurs divine judgment and necessitates a form of atonement or restitution. Even outside the covenant, the Philistines recognized the inherent demand for recompense when God's honor is violated. Their counsel, though rooted in pagan practices, echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on the *'asham* offering as a means of making amends for specific transgressions against God or neighbor, often involving restitution. This highlights God's consistent character: He is holy and righteous, and His holiness demands a response to sin. The Philistines' desire for healing and clarity also speaks to humanity's innate longing for reconciliation and understanding when faced with suffering attributed to divine displeasure. Their actions, while crude in comparison to God's revealed law, underscore the pervasive human need to bridge the gap created by offense against the divine.

* [Leviticus 5:15](/leviticus/5-15 "Leviticus 5:15 - The Guilt Offering for Violations of Holy Things")
* [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Confession and Restitution for Wrongdoing")
* [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant as a Guilt Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Philistines' desperate attempt to appease the God of Israel, though born of fear and incomplete understanding, serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive reality of divine judgment and the universal human need for atonement. For believers, this passage underscores the profound gravity of sin, especially when it involves dishonoring God or His sacred principles. It challenges us to consider whether we take God's holiness as seriously as these pagans did, or if we sometimes presume upon His grace without acknowledging the need for genuine repentance and, where possible, restitution. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the underlying principle remains: true reconciliation with God involves acknowledging our offenses and earnestly seeking His forgiveness. This passage also reminds us that God's "hand" can bring both judgment and healing, and that His ultimate desire is for us to know Him and His ways, leading to true peace and understanding. We are called to respond to His holiness not out of fear alone, but out of profound love and reverent obedience, knowing that in Christ, the ultimate and perfect trespass offering has been eternally made on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I consider the implications of my actions on God's holiness and honor, particularly in areas where I might be presuming upon His grace?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be metaphorically "sending the Ark back empty," failing to offer appropriate repentance, confession, or restitution for past wrongs?**
* **What does the Philistines' desperate desire for "healing" and "knowing why" teach me about my own pursuit of understanding and restoration in times of difficulty or divine discipline?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Philistines choose a "trespass offering" specifically, and what does it signify?**

Answer: The Philistines, through their priests and diviners, chose a "trespass offering" (Hebrew: *'asham*) because it was the most fitting type of sacrifice for their specific situation, even though they were not under the Mosaic Law. In Israelite law, the *'asham* or guilt offering was prescribed for sins that involved a violation of rights, a misuse of holy things, or damage requiring restitution, often with an added penalty ([Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14-19 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Guilt Offering")). The Philistines had captured and held the Ark of the Covenant, which was the most sacred object to the God of Israel, representing His very presence and glory. This act was a profound violation of God's holy property and honor, akin to theft or desecration. By demanding a trespass offering, their religious experts intuitively understood that their offense was not merely a general sin but a specific transgression against the divine, requiring a compensatory act to make amends and avert further divine wrath. It signifies their recognition that they had taken something that did not belong to them and had offended a powerful deity in the process, necessitating a specific act of propitiation to resolve the incurred guilt and its consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Philistines' desperate attempt to appease the God of Israel with a trespass offering, though a pagan act rooted in fear, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect trespass offering made by Jesus Christ. They sought healing and clarity, believing a sacrifice could remove the divine hand of judgment. In the New Testament, we learn that humanity's greatest trespass was against God's holiness through sin, leading to spiritual death and separation from Him ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")). Just as the Philistines' offering aimed to make restitution for their offense against God's holy Ark, Christ's sacrifice on the cross serves as the definitive and complete *'asham* for all who believe. He became our "guilt offering" ([Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant as a Guilt Offering")) by bearing the full weight of our sin and its eternal consequences, thereby making perfect restitution to God's righteous demands. Through His shed blood, we are truly "healed" from the plague of sin and reconciled to God ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The Philistines hoped to know "why his hand is not removed from you"; in Christ, we receive the ultimate revelation of God's character – His justice perfectly satisfied and His boundless love eternally revealed, forever removing the hand of judgment from those who trust in Him, for there is now "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 Samuel 6:9

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, [then] he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us: it [was] a chance [that] happened to us.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Exodus 23:15

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Exodus 34:20

But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

1 Samuel 5:9

And it was [so], that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

Leviticus 5:6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

1 Samuel 5:7

And when the men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.