1 Samuel 6:6

KJV

Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore then do ye harden {H3513} your hearts {H3824}, as the Egyptians {H4714} and Pharaoh {H6547} hardened {H3513} their hearts {H3820}? when he had wrought wonderfully {H5953} among them, did they not let the people go {H7971}, and they departed {H3212}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why be obstinate like the Egyptians and Pharaoh were? When he had done his work among them, didn't they let the people go? - and they left.

Berean Standard Bible

Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people on their way as they departed?

American Standard Version

Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 6:6 captures the Philistine priests and diviners advising their people against resisting the divine judgment they are experiencing due to the Ark of the Covenant. They draw a powerful historical parallel to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, whose obstinate refusal to release Israel, despite God's miraculous and devastating plagues, ultimately led to their ruin. The verse serves as a stark warning to the Philistine lords not to repeat the folly of a hardened heart, urging them to acknowledge God's undeniable power and release the Ark, lest they suffer even more severe consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [1 Samuel 6:6](/1_samuel/6-6 "1 Samuel 6:6 - Philistine Counsel Regarding the Ark") is the Philistines' desperate attempt to rid themselves of the Ark of the Covenant, which they had captured from Israel in [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Capture of the Ark"). Following its capture, the Ark brought a series of severe divine judgments upon the Philistine cities, specifically Dagon's temple in Ashdod ([1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark")) and outbreaks of tumors and disease in Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues on Philistine Cities")). The Philistine lords and priests are now consulting on how to properly return the Ark to appease the God of Israel, recognizing the divine hand in their suffering. This verse is part of their counsel, specifically a warning against continued defiance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Philistines were a formidable "Sea Peoples" group who settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, establishing a pentapolis of major cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron). They were a highly militarized and technologically advanced people, often clashing with the Israelites. Culturally, they worshipped various deities, including Dagon, a prominent grain god. Their priests and diviners played a crucial role in interpreting omens and advising the rulers, as seen here. The reference to Egypt and Pharaoh taps into a deeply ingrained historical memory for both Israelites and surrounding nations—the Exodus was a definitive demonstration of Yahweh's power over the gods and rulers of the greatest empire of the ancient Near East. The Philistines, though enemies of Israel, were clearly aware of this pivotal event, acknowledging its significance as a precedent for divine judgment against those who resist God's will.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in [1 Samuel 6:6](/1_samuel/6-6 "1 Samuel 6:6 - The Warning Against a Hardened Heart") is the **danger of a hardened heart**. This concept, rooted in the Exodus narrative, describes a stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's power and yield to His will, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Pharaoh's persistent defiance, despite the escalating plagues, serves as the ultimate cautionary tale, illustrating how such obstinacy leads only to greater suffering and ultimate destruction. The Philistine priests, by invoking this history, are implicitly warning their own people against similar spiritual blindness and resistance to divine judgment. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, from the wilderness generation's rebellion ([Psalm 95:8](/psalms/95-8 "Psalm 95:8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")) to the New Testament warnings against unbelief ([Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Warning Against Hardening Hearts Today")). Another key theme is **divine sovereignty and intervention**, as God's "wonderful works" (the plagues) demonstrate His absolute control over nations and natural forces, compelling even His enemies to acknowledge His supremacy. Finally, the verse highlights the importance of **learning from history**, as the Philistine diviners wisely counsel their people to heed the lessons of past divine judgments to avoid repeating catastrophic mistakes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harden (Hebrew, _kābēd_):** This verb literally means "to be heavy," "to be weighty," or "to be glorious." In a metaphorical sense, particularly when applied to the heart, it signifies a state of being dull, insensitive, stubborn, or obstinate. It implies a deliberate and persistent refusal to respond to divine commands, warnings, or evidence. Unlike a passive state, _kābēd_ suggests an active resistance, a stiffening of the will against God's clear demonstration of power and purpose.
* **Wrought wonderfully (Hebrew, _‘āśāh pelī’_):** This phrase combines the verb "to do" or "to make" (_‘āśāh_) with the noun "wonder" or "miracle" (_pelī’_). It refers specifically to God's extraordinary, supernatural acts, particularly the plagues in Egypt, which were undeniably miraculous and demonstrated His unique power and authority. These were not mere coincidences but deliberate, powerful interventions designed to achieve His sovereign purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?"**: This opening rhetorical question serves as a direct and urgent warning from the Philistine priests and diviners to their own people. It highlights the folly and danger of stubborn resistance to divine will. By drawing a direct parallel to the Egyptians and Pharaoh, they invoke a well-known historical precedent of disastrous defiance. The repetition of "hardened their hearts" emphasizes the willful and persistent nature of this resistance, which characterized Pharaoh's response to God's demands through Moses.
* **"when he had wrought wonderfully among them,"**: This clause refers to the series of ten plagues God inflicted upon Egypt. These "wonderful works" were not random occurrences but powerful, supernatural interventions demonstrating Yahweh's supreme power over nature, over the gods of Egypt, and over Pharaoh himself. The Philistines acknowledge that the plagues they are currently experiencing are similar divine manifestations, demanding a response.
* **"did they not let the people go, and they departed?"**: This concluding rhetorical question underscores the inevitable outcome of God's persistent judgment. Despite Pharaoh's initial and prolonged resistance, the overwhelming power of God's "wonderful works" ultimately compelled him to release the Israelites. The Philistine diviners are reminding their lords that resistance is futile and will only lead to greater suffering until they, too, comply with God's clear demand to return the Ark. This serves as both a historical reminder and a prophetic warning of their own impending fate if they continue to resist.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, used twice ("Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts...?" and "did they not let the people go...?"). These questions are not seeking information but are designed to provoke thought, emphasize a point, and guide the audience toward a specific, undeniable conclusion. They serve as a powerful form of persuasion, making the Philistine lords confront the obvious parallel between their situation and Pharaoh's. **Analogy** and **Historical Parallel** are central, as the Philistines explicitly compare their current predicament and the temptation to resist God's clear signs to the well-known historical account of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. This comparison serves as a cautionary tale, leveraging the collective memory of a devastating divine judgment to influence present action. The phrase "wrought wonderfully" is an **Understatement** or **Euphemism** for the devastating plagues, highlighting their miraculous nature while perhaps softening the direct mention of divine wrath, yet still conveying immense power. The overall tone is one of urgent **Admonition** and **Warning**, aimed at preventing further suffering through wise counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the overarching biblical theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It underscores that God is actively involved in human history, demonstrating His power and will through both judgment and deliverance. The Philistines, though pagan, are forced to acknowledge the God of Israel's "wonderful works," illustrating that even those outside the covenant are subject to His universal authority. The core theological warning against a "hardened heart" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, emphasizing the spiritual danger of willful disobedience and insensitivity to God's voice. It highlights that God's patience has limits, and persistent rebellion ultimately leads to greater judgment. Conversely, it implicitly calls for humility, repentance, and a readiness to respond to divine revelation, regardless of the source or circumstances. The Philistines' counsel, born of fear and self-preservation, ironically echoes a profound biblical truth about the consequences of resisting the Almighty.

* [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")
* [Psalm 95:7-8](/psalms/95-7 "Psalm 95:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts Today")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Purpose in Hardening Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Philistine priests' counsel in [1 Samuel 6:6](/1_samuel/6-6 "1 Samuel 6:6 - A Warning for All Generations") serves as a timeless and potent warning for all people, across all generations. In our own lives, we are often faced with circumstances, challenges, or internal convictions that are, in essence, God's "wonderful works"—His ways of getting our attention, guiding us, or calling us to account. The temptation to harden our hearts, to stubbornly resist what is clearly God's leading or to ignore the consequences of our actions, is ever-present. This verse challenges us to cultivate a responsive and humble heart, one that is sensitive to divine prompts and willing to learn from the lessons of history, both personal and collective. Whether it's a persistent conviction about a sin, a clear call to obedience, or a difficult situation that demands a change in direction, the path of a hardened heart only leads to greater distress and separation from God's blessing. True wisdom lies in acknowledging God's hand, surrendering our will, and acting promptly on spiritual conviction, rather than delaying or resisting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be hardening your heart against God's clear leading or conviction?**
* **What "wonderful works" (i.e., undeniable signs or interventions) has God performed in your life or in the world that demand a response from you?**
* **What historical or personal lessons can you draw upon to avoid repeating past mistakes of stubbornness or disobedience?**
* **How can you cultivate a more responsive and humble heart that is quick to obey God's voice?**

### FAQ
**Why do the Philistines refer to Pharaoh and the Egyptians?**

Answer: The Philistines refer to Pharaoh and the Egyptians because the Exodus event, with its ten devastating plagues and the ultimate release of Israel, was a universally known and undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's supreme power. Even among pagan nations, the story would have been a stark historical precedent for the consequences of resisting the God of Israel. The Philistine priests and diviners, recognizing the similar divine judgment they were experiencing due to the Ark ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues on Philistine Cities")), used this well-known example to warn their own people against repeating Pharaoh's catastrophic mistake of stubborn defiance. They understood that God's "wonderful works" (the plagues) were designed to compel obedience, and continued resistance would only lead to further, more severe suffering, just as it did for Egypt ([Exodus 12:29-32](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-32 - The Death of the Firstborn")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Samuel 6:6](/1_samuel/6-6 "1 Samuel 6:6 - The Warning Against a Hardened Heart") speaks of the Philistines' warning against a hardened heart in the face of God's judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus perfectly embodies the responsive heart and how He confronts the hardened hearts of humanity. Pharaoh's resistance to God's will foreshadows the broader human tendency to reject divine authority, a tendency that culminates in the rejection of Christ Himself. Jesus, unlike Pharaoh, perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He consistently called people to repent and believe, warning against the spiritual blindness that prevents recognition of God's "wonderful works"—His miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His resurrection ([Matthew 13:15](/matthew/13-15 "Matthew 13:15 - Hardness of Heart Prevents Understanding")). The ultimate "wonderful work" is the redemption accomplished through Christ, where God, through His Son, provides the means for hardened hearts to be transformed into hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Through faith in Him, we are granted a new spirit that enables us to obey God's commands, overcoming the very stubbornness that plagued Pharaoh and threatened the Philistines. The warning against hardening one's heart finds its most profound application in the call to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the ultimate demonstration of God's power and love ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Exodus 8:15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 7:13

And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 14:17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 9:34

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Exodus 9:16

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.