1 Samuel 6:8

And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him [for] a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

And take {H3947} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}, and lay {H5414} it upon the cart {H5699}; and put {H7760} the jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091}, which ye return {H7725} him for a trespass offering {H817}, in a coffer {H712} by the side {H6654} thereof; and send it away {H7971}, that it may go {H1980}.

Then take the ark of ADONAI and lay it on the cart. In a box next to it, put the gold objects you are sending back to him as a guilt offering. Then send it away to go off by itself,

Take the ark of the LORD, set it on the cart, and in a chest beside it put the gold objects you are sending Him as a guilt offering. Then send the ark on its way,

and take the ark of Jehovah, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass-offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

Commentary

Context

This verse details the Philistines' instructions for returning the Ark of the LORD after it had brought severe plagues and devastation upon their cities, including tumors and a plague of mice (1 Samuel 5:6). Having captured the Ark in battle (1 Samuel 4:11), they found themselves afflicted by the God of Israel. After seven months of suffering, their priests and diviners advised them to send the Ark back, but not empty-handed. This particular verse outlines the precise method: placing the Ark on a new cart and accompanying it with a "trespass offering" of golden images representing their afflictions, hoping to appease the powerful God of Israel and discern if the plagues were indeed His doing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: Even among a pagan nation, the Ark's presence demonstrated God's irresistible power and His judgment against those who dishonored His holy presence. The Philistines' actions, born of fear, underscore that God's authority extends beyond Israel's borders and triumphs over other deities, like Dagon (1 Samuel 5:4).
  • The Trespass Offering: The "jewels of gold" (golden tumors and mice, as specified in 1 Samuel 6:4) served as a trespass offering. This was an attempt by the Philistines to make restitution and acknowledge their wrongdoing, hoping to avert further calamity. While rooted in their own religious practices, it mirrors the Israelite concept of an offering made to atone for unintentional sin or desecration, emphasizing the need for reconciliation when something sacred has been defiled (Leviticus 6:2-7).
  • Reverence for the Sacred: Despite their pagan background, the Philistines recognized the Ark's unique power and the need to treat it with a degree of reverence. Placing it on a new cart, rather than one used for common purposes, signified respect for its sanctity and the powerful deity it represented.

Linguistic Insights

The term "trespass offering" translates the Hebrew word 'asham (אָשָׁם). In the Old Testament, an 'asham offering was typically made to atone for guilt, especially when a wrong had been committed against God or sacred things, or when restitution was due. It implies acknowledging a debt or offense and making amends. For the Philistines, this was their attempt to make amends for the distress caused by their capture and retention of the Ark.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and His undeniable power, even to those who do not know Him. It highlights the importance of treating sacred things with reverence and acknowledging our wrongdoing. While we no longer offer literal "trespass offerings" of golden images, the underlying principle of seeking reconciliation with God through repentance and acknowledging His sovereignty remains central to faith. We are called to approach God with humility and respect, understanding that His presence brings both blessing and, if disrespected, consequences. Ultimately, the perfect and complete "trespass offering" for humanity's sin is found in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which provides full atonement and reconciliation for all who believe.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 6:3 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 6:5 (2 votes)

    Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.