1 Samuel 6:7

KJV

Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore make {H6213} a {H259} new {H2319} cart {H5699}, and take {H3947} two {H8147} milch {H5763} kine {H6510}, on which there hath come {H5927} no yoke {H5923}, and tie {H631} the kine {H6510} to the cart {H5699}, and bring {H7725} their calves {H1121} home {H1004} from them {H310}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now take and prepare yourselves a new cart and two milk-cows that have never been under a yoke. Harness the cows to the cart, but put their calves back in the shed.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.

American Standard Version

Now therefore take and prepare you a new cart, and two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke; and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 6:7 details the Philistines' precise and counter-intuitive instructions for returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, following a period of devastating plagues that afflicted their cities. Convinced that their suffering was divinely orchestrated by the God of Israel, their pagan priests and diviners prescribed a test: placing the Ark on a new cart pulled by two nursing cows that had never been yoked, and critically, separating them from their calves. This seemingly irrational method was designed to eliminate any natural explanation for the Ark's return, thereby providing undeniable proof of the Lord's direct intervention and His supreme power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical turning point in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant, following its capture by the Philistines in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured"). Chapters [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark in Philistia") and [1 Samuel 6](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark Returned") vividly describe the severe plagues and divine judgment that befell the Philistine cities of Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron as long as the Ark remained among them. The Philistine lords, facing widespread death and affliction, consulted their priests and diviners to determine how to appease the God of Israel and remove the Ark. Verse 7 outlines the specific, ritualistic, and highly symbolic method proposed for its return, serving as a divinely orchestrated test to confirm that their suffering was indeed from the Lord and not mere coincidence. The subsequent verses describe the execution of this plan and the miraculous journey of the cows, culminating in the Ark's arrival at Beth-shemesh, validating the Philistines' (and implicitly, Israel's) understanding of God's power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, non-Semitic people who had migrated to the coastal plain of Canaan, establishing a pentapolis (five major cities). Their culture was polytheistic, worshipping deities such as Dagon, whose idol famously fell before the Ark in [1 Samuel 5:3-5](/1_samuel/5-3 "1 Samuel 5:3-5 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark"). In their worldview, a foreign god could exert power, and it was crucial to identify and appease such a deity if they were causing distress. Their consultation of priests and diviners ([1 Samuel 6:2](/1_samuel/6-2 "1 Samuel 6:2 - Philistines Consult Priests")) was a standard practice in the ancient Near East when facing calamities, seeking to understand the divine will and prescribe appropriate cultic actions. The specific instructions for the Ark's return—a new cart, unyoked cows, and the separation from calves—were designed to create a scenario that defied natural explanation, thus providing irrefutable evidence of a supernatural force at work, a common form of "divine test" in ancient cultures, though here uniquely orchestrated by the God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Irresistible Power of God**. Even a pagan nation, through their own pragmatic and superstitious means, is compelled to acknowledge and react to the Lord's overwhelming power, which transcends their own deities and natural laws. Secondly, the instructions highlight the **Holiness and Danger of God's Presence**, as embodied by the Ark. The requirements for a "new cart" and "unyoked" animals emphasize the Ark's sacredness, demanding a consecrated means of transport, distinct from ordinary use. Thirdly, the Philistines' "test" reveals God's willingness to **Vindicate His Name and Reveal His Power** even to His enemies. Their attempt to discern the source of their suffering inadvertently serves as a public demonstration of the Lord's unique identity and might, as seen in the miraculous journey described in [1 Samuel 6:12](/1_samuel/6-12 "1 Samuel 6:12 - The Cows' Miraculous Journey"). This passage also subtly introduces the theme of **Sacrifice and Obedience**, as the cows, against their natural instinct, are compelled to obey a divine directive, foreshadowing the greater call to obedience and sacrifice for God's purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **New (Hebrew, _ḥăḏāšâ_):** The Hebrew word for "new" here (חֲדָשָׁה) implies something unused, fresh, and therefore ritually pure or consecrated. This aligns with the understanding that items associated with sacred objects or rituals should be undefiled by common use. The "new cart" was not merely for convenience but signified a special, set-apart vehicle appropriate for carrying the holy Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its unique status and the reverence, however superstitious, afforded to it by the Philistines.
* **Milch kine (Hebrew, _pārōṯ ‘ālōṯ_):** This phrase refers to "nursing cows" or "cows that are suckling." The Hebrew word עָלוֹת (_‘ālōṯ_) specifically denotes cows that are currently giving milk and, by extension, have calves dependent on them. This detail is crucial to the Philistines' test, as a mother cow's strongest natural instinct is to remain with or return to her calves for nursing. For these cows to willingly leave their young and proceed directly to Israel would be a profound act against nature, thus serving as undeniable proof of divine intervention.
* **No yoke (Hebrew, _lō’ ‘ālāh ‘ălêhem ‘ōl_):** The phrase "on which there hath come no yoke" signifies that these cows were untrained, unbroken, and had never been used for labor. This detail further eliminates any natural explanation for their disciplined and direct movement. Untrained animals are typically unruly and unpredictable. Their ability to pull a cart in a straight line, without human guidance or prior training, would unequivocally point to a supernatural force directing their path, making their journey a clear demonstration of God's power over creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore make a new cart,"**: This instruction signifies the Philistines' attempt to show reverence and ritual purity for the Ark. A "new" cart, never used for common purposes, was considered clean and appropriate for carrying a holy object. This aligns with ancient Near Eastern customs regarding sacred items, where purity and consecration were paramount.
* **"and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke,"**: This specifies the type of animals to be used for pulling the cart. "Milch kine" (nursing cows) possess a strong maternal instinct to stay with their calves. "On which there hath come no yoke" means they were untrained and unbroken, making their disciplined movement against natural inclination a key component of the divine test.
* **"and tie the kine to the cart,"**: This is the practical instruction for harnessing the animals to the cart. The Philistines were to physically attach these untrained, instinct-driven animals to the vehicle carrying the Ark, setting the stage for the extraordinary demonstration of God's power.
* **"and bring their calves home from them:"**: This final, critical instruction ensures the most profound challenge to natural instinct. By separating the nursing cows from their calves, the Philistines created a scenario where the cows' overwhelming natural inclination would be to return to their young. If, despite this, the cows proceeded directly towards Israel, it would be irrefutable proof that a supernatural force—the God of Israel—was directing them.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 6:7, within its broader context, employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Irony** is prominent, as the pagan Philistines, through their desperate and pragmatic test, inadvertently become instruments for the glorification and vindication of the God of Israel. Their attempt to scientifically verify the source of their plagues leads to an undeniable display of divine power, validating the very God they sought to understand or appease. **Symbolism** is also at play: the "new cart" and "unyoked kine" symbolize the unique holiness of the Ark and the extraordinary, unconstrained nature of God's power, which operates outside of human control or natural order. The entire scenario functions as a **Divine Test**, meticulously designed by the Philistine priests and diviners, yet ultimately orchestrated and fulfilled by God to demonstrate His sovereignty. Furthermore, the instructions in this verse serve as **Foreshadowing**, setting up the miraculous journey of the cows described in subsequent verses, building anticipation for the inevitable display of God's supernatural guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, and the subsequent narrative, profoundly illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating His power over both creation and human/pagan intentions. The Philistines, despite their polytheistic worldview, are forced to confront the undeniable reality of a God who is not confined to human understanding or natural laws. Their elaborate test, designed to remove all natural explanations, ultimately serves to magnify the Lord's unique power and holiness. This event underscores that God's will prevails, even through the actions of those who do not know Him, and He can use the most unlikely means to accomplish His purposes and vindicate His name. It reveals that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the supreme, living God who actively intervenes in human history and holds ultimate authority over all things.

* [Job 12:10](/job/12-10 "Job 12:10 - God's Sovereignty Over Life")
* [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Dominion")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Philistines' desperate attempt to understand and appease the God of Israel, culminating in the precise instructions of 1 Samuel 6:7, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's purposes are often accomplished through means that defy human logic or natural explanation. Just as the untrained, nursing cows acted against their strongest instincts, God can direct circumstances, people, and even nature in ways we cannot predict or comprehend, all to fulfill His divine plan and reveal His glory. This passage challenges us to cultivate a faith that trusts God's sovereignty even when His methods seem unconventional or counter-intuitive. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and recognize the invisible hand of God at work, affirming that His will ultimately prevails, regardless of human intentions or obstacles. For us, it should foster a deeper trust in God's ability to work powerfully in our lives and in the world, even when the path forward seems unnatural or impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on natural explanations or human logic, rather than trusting in God's supernatural power?**
* **How does the Philistines' "test" of God challenge your own understanding of how God reveals Himself and accomplishes His purposes?**
* **Can you recall a time when God worked in your life or in the world in a way that defied natural explanation, similar to the cows' journey?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the holiness of God and the reverence due to His presence, even from those who do not fully know Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Philistines specify a "new cart" and "unyoked" cows?**

Answer: The Philistines, advised by their priests and diviners, specified a "new cart" because it was unused and therefore ritually clean, suitable for transporting a sacred object like the Ark. The "unyoked" cows were chosen because they had never been trained to pull a cart. This was crucial for their test: if untrained, wild animals could pull the cart directly to Israel without human guidance, it would be undeniable proof that a supernatural force—the God of Israel—was directing them, rather than mere chance or human manipulation. This eliminated any natural explanation for the Ark's return.

**Why was it significant that they chose "milch kine" (nursing cows) and separated them from their calves?**

Answer: This detail was the most critical element of the Philistines' test. "Milch kine" refers to cows that are nursing their young. A mother cow's strongest natural instinct is to remain with or return to her calves to feed them. By separating the cows from their calves and sending them in the opposite direction, the Philistines created a scenario where the cows' natural inclination would be overwhelmingly to return to their offspring. If, against this powerful maternal instinct, the cows proceeded directly to Israel, it would be irrefutable proof of a divine, supernatural intervention, confirming that the plagues were indeed from the God of Israel.

**What was the Philistines' motivation for this elaborate test?**

Answer: The Philistines' motivation was primarily pragmatic and self-preservation. After suffering severe and escalating plagues (tumors, mice) in every city where the Ark resided ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues in Philistia")), they concluded that their suffering was linked to the Ark and its God. They wanted to end the affliction and ensure the Ark was returned properly to appease the powerful God of Israel. Their elaborate test was designed to provide empirical, undeniable evidence that their suffering was not coincidental but a direct act of the Lord, thereby justifying their actions to their own people and gods, and ensuring they had taken the correct steps for appeasement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly strange instructions in 1 Samuel 6:7, leading to a miraculous journey against natural instinct, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's holy presence among His people, finds its ultimate embodiment in Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate, the very presence of God "tabernacling" among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Ark's journey defied natural laws, Christ's mission and journey to the cross were utterly supernatural, a divine plan unfolding beyond human comprehension or natural inclination. The unyoked, unblemished cows, compelled by a divine force to carry the Ark, can be seen as a faint echo of Christ, the perfect and unblemished [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), defying the natural human instinct for self-preservation. His journey to Calvary was not by human design or natural compulsion but by divine purpose, demonstrating God's sovereign power over sin, death, and even the natural order. Through Christ, God's holiness is fully revealed, and His presence is made accessible, not through a physical Ark, but through the indwelling Spirit for all who believe ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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

Numbers 19:2

This [is] the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein [is] no blemish, [and] upon which never came yoke:

2 Samuel 6:3

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

1 Chronicles 13:7

And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.