1 Samuel 6:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And see {H7200}, if it goeth up {H5927} by the way {H1870} of his own coast {H1366} to Bethshemesh {H1053}, then he hath done {H6213} us this great {H1419} evil {H7451}: but if not, then we shall know {H3045} that it is not his hand {H3027} that smote {H5060} us: it was a chance {H4745} that happened to us {H1961}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but watch to see if it goes up the road to Beit-Shemesh in its own territory. If it does, he is responsible for this great tragedy; if not, we will know that it is not his oppression which has been over us, but that what has been happening to us has been only by chance."

Berean Standard Bible

but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its homeland, toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has brought on us this great disaster. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that punished us and that it happened by chance.”

American Standard Version

And see; if it goeth up by the way of its own border to Beth-shemesh, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 6:9 captures the Philistines' desperate attempt to discern the true source of their devastating plagues after capturing the Ark of the Covenant. Faced with inexplicable suffering, their priests and diviners devised a test: if two unyoked, nursing cows, separated from their calves, spontaneously transported the Ark directly to the Israelite city of Bethshemesh, it would confirm the divine hand of the God of Israel as the cause of their affliction. Conversely, if the cows strayed, they would attribute their misfortunes to mere chance, avoiding the terrifying implications of Yahweh's sovereign judgment. This verse encapsulates their profound spiritual dilemma between acknowledging divine intervention and clinging to a naturalistic explanation for their woes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's capture and return. Chapters 4 and 5 detail the Philistines' initial triumph in battle, their seizure of the Ark, and the subsequent devastating plagues (tumors, panic, death) that afflicted their cities—Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron—where the Ark was housed. The Philistines' gods, particularly Dagon, were humiliated before the Ark ([1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark")). By chapter 6, the Philistine lords and priests, utterly desperate, seek a way to rid themselves of the Ark and the accompanying divine judgment. Verse 9 presents the crucial criterion for their proposed test, immediately following their decision to return the Ark on a new cart pulled by unyoked, nursing cows ([1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - The Philistines Prepare to Return the Ark")). The success of this test, detailed in [1 Samuel 6:10-12](/1_samuel/6-10 "1 Samuel 6:10-12 - The Ark Returns to Bethshemesh"), unequivocally confirms Yahweh's active hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful seafaring people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, frequently clashing with the Israelites. Their polytheistic religion involved a pantheon of gods, with Dagon being a prominent deity. In ancient Near Eastern thought, military victory often signified the superiority of one nation's gods over another's. Thus, the Philistines' initial capture of the Ark, which represented the presence of Israel's God, was a perceived triumph for their gods. However, the subsequent plagues challenged this worldview, forcing them to confront a deity whose power transcended their understanding and control. The proposed test, involving unyoked cows separated from their calves, was designed to eliminate all natural explanations for the cows' behavior, leaving only a supernatural cause. Such "ordeals" or divinatory practices were common in the ancient world, where people sought signs from deities to understand events and make decisions, though this specific test is unique in its design to confirm the power of a foreign deity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. It highlights the **sovereignty of God** over both human affairs and the natural world, demonstrating that Yahweh is not confined by human expectations or pagan deities ([Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")). The Philistines' struggle to attribute their suffering to "chance" underscores the theme of **divine judgment** against those who disrespect His holiness or defy His will ([Proverbs 16:4](/proverbs/16-4 "Proverbs 16:4 - The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.")). Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes the **holiness of the Ark** and, by extension, the unapproachable holiness of God Himself. The Philistines' experience serves as a stark warning about the consequences of treating sacred things lightly, a theme that tragically reappears later when the men of Bethshemesh also suffer for irreverence towards the Ark ([1 Samuel 6:19-20](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19-20 - The Men of Bethshemesh Struck Down")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coast (Hebrew, _gĕbûl'_):** This word refers to a boundary, border, or territory. In this context, "his own coast" refers to the territory of Israel, specifically the region around Bethshemesh. The Philistines' test was precise: the cows had to go directly *to* Israelite territory, not merely wander off. This specificity was crucial for confirming divine intent, as any deviation would be interpreted as a lack of divine guidance.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _rā'â'_):** Here, "evil" refers to the calamity, disaster, or affliction that the Philistines had experienced. It encompasses the tumors, panic, and death that had ravaged their cities. The Philistines were seeking confirmation that this "great evil" was not random misfortune but a deliberate, punitive act from the God of Israel. It denotes a suffering or harm that is seen as a consequence or judgment.
* **Chance (Hebrew, _miqreh'_):** This term is central to the Philistines' dilemma. It means "occurrence," "accident," or "fortuitous event." By proposing that their suffering might be "chance," the Philistines were attempting to rationalize away the terrifying possibility of divine intervention. Attributing events to _miqreh_ allows for a worldview where events are random, without purpose or divine authorship, preserving their existing pagan beliefs and avoiding the unsettling truth of Yahweh's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh":** This clause sets the condition for the Philistines' test. The "it" refers to the cart carrying the Ark. The crucial element is the direction: it must proceed directly and intentionally towards Israelite territory, specifically the city of Bethshemesh. This direction, against the natural instinct of the cows to return to their calves, would be the undeniable sign of divine compulsion.
* **"[then] he hath done us this great evil":** This is the consequence of the first condition being met. If the Ark arrives at Bethshemesh, the Philistines would conclude that the God of Israel ("he") was indeed the author of the plagues and devastation ("this great evil") they had suffered. This acknowledges Yahweh's active and punitive hand in their misfortunes.
* **"but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us":** This clause presents the alternative outcome. If the cows did not go towards Bethshemesh, but instead wandered off or returned to their calves, the Philistines would conclude that the plagues were not from the God of Israel ("not his hand"). This would allow them to dismiss the divine cause.
* **"it [was] a chance [that] happened to us":** This final phrase reveals the Philistines' preferred explanation for their suffering if the test failed. They would attribute their woes to random misfortune, an "accident" or "chance occurrence" (_miqreh_), rather than the deliberate judgment of Yahweh. This reflects a desire to avoid the theological implications of Yahweh's sovereignty and power over their lives and their gods.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Samuel 6:9 is **Foreshadowing**. The Philistines' test, designed to eliminate all natural explanations for the cows' behavior, implicitly foreshadows the undeniable confirmation of God's hand that is about to occur. Their desperate attempt to cling to the notion of "chance" sets up a dramatic contrast with the miraculous event that follows, where the cows indeed go directly to Bethshemesh, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute control. This also employs **Irony**, as the Philistines, in their attempt to deny divine intervention, unwittingly design a test that will provide irrefutable proof of it. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the concept of "his hand" (divine agency) directly against "a chance" (randomness), highlighting the fundamental theological conflict at the heart of their inquiry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 6:9 profoundly illustrates the tension between human attempts to rationalize suffering and the reality of divine sovereignty. The Philistines, though pagans, were forced to grapple with the overwhelming evidence of a God who actively intervened in human affairs, bringing judgment for their sacrilege. Their proposed test was a desperate attempt to maintain control over their understanding of reality, preferring the comfort of "chance" over the terrifying implications of a powerful, holy God who judges nations. This struggle to acknowledge God's hand in adverse circumstances is a timeless human tendency, often leading people to seek naturalistic explanations to avoid confronting divine authority or their own accountability. Yet, the narrative unequivocally demonstrates that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes and uphold His holiness.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Philistines' dilemma in 1 Samuel 6:9 resonates deeply with our own human tendency to explain away difficult or inexplicable events. When faced with suffering, setback, or unexpected turns, do we, like the Philistines, instinctively reach for "chance" or "bad luck" as an explanation, or do we humbly consider the possibility of God's hand at work? Recognizing God's sovereignty, even in circumstances that seem random or painful, is a foundational aspect of mature faith. It doesn't mean every negative event is a direct punishment, but it does mean acknowledging that God is ultimately in control, working all things according to His purposes, even through what appears to be chaos. This perspective fosters a deeper trust in His wisdom and goodness, allowing us to seek His lessons and presence in every season, rather than dismissing His involvement. It calls us to a posture of spiritual discernment, seeking to understand His will and character even when His ways are mysterious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to attribute events to "chance" rather than considering God's potential involvement or overarching purpose?**
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, change my perspective on suffering and adversity?**
* **What might it look like to cultivate a greater spiritual humility that allows me to discern God's hand, even when it challenges my comfortable explanations?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Philistines so desperate to believe their suffering was "chance"?**

Answer: The Philistines were desperate to believe their suffering was "chance" because acknowledging it as divine judgment from the God of Israel would have profound and terrifying implications for their worldview. It would mean that their own gods (like Dagon, who had been humiliated before the Ark in [1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark")) were inferior or powerless. It would also imply that they had offended a truly sovereign and powerful deity, demanding a response beyond their traditional pagan rituals. Attributing it to "chance" allowed them to avoid this theological crisis, preserve their own religious system, and escape the terrifying reality of Yahweh's active and punitive hand against them. It was a way to maintain their sense of control and avoid admitting defeat on a spiritual level.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Philistines' struggle to discern divine agency versus "chance" in 1 Samuel 6:9 finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's demonstration of God's active hand in judgment and deliverance, seen in the Ark's return, points forward to the definitive revelation of God's sovereignty and purpose in the person of Jesus. While the Philistines grappled with an unseen God who sent plagues, the New Testament reveals a God who, in Christ, enters human history, not to inflict plagues, but to bear the ultimate judgment for sin on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.")). The "hand" that smote the Philistines for their sacrilege is the same divine hand that orchestrated the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, "chance" is utterly abolished, as every event, including His suffering and resurrection, is part of God's predetermined plan for redemption ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrates that God is not a distant deity whose actions are open to human speculation about "chance," but a God intimately involved in His creation, working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")). He is the ultimate confirmation of God's active, purposeful, and redemptive hand in history, inviting us not to fear judgment, but to embrace grace and forgiveness through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.")).

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

Joshua 15:10

And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which [is] Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

Joshua 21:16

And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, [and] Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

1 Samuel 6:3

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.

2 Samuel 1:6

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

Luke 10:31

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?