1 Samuel 6 16

1 Samuel 6:16 kjv

And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.

1 Samuel 6:16 nkjv

So when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.

1 Samuel 6:16 niv

The five rulers of the Philistines saw all this and then returned that same day to Ekron.

1 Samuel 6:16 esv

And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron.

1 Samuel 6:16 nlt

The five Philistine rulers watched all this and then returned to Ekron that same day.

1 Samuel 6 verses

1 Samuel 6 16 Meaning

This verse describes the moment the Ark of the Covenant, along with the chest containing the Philistines' golden guilt offerings, was received by the Levites in Beth-shemesh upon its miraculous return to Israelite territory. It signifies the transfer of these sacred objects from the Philistine cart to a prominent rock, marking the resumption of proper handling according to the Law, albeit in an unusual setting. This act highlights the specific and vital role of the Levites in ministering to holy things and maintaining the sanctity required by God.

1 Samuel 6 16 Context

Chapter 6 of 1 Samuel narrates the Philistines' decision to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after it brought severe plagues upon their cities. Following their priests' and diviners' advice, they fashioned golden models of their afflictions as a guilt offering and placed the Ark and the chest with the golden objects on a new cart pulled by two milk cows unaccustomed to the yoke. Against all natural instinct, the cows went directly to Beth-shemesh, an Israelite city, and stopped in the field of Joshua, by a large stone. The people of Beth-shemesh, who were harvesting wheat, rejoiced at the Ark's arrival. Verses 14-15 describe the Philistine lords watching from a distance as the Levites descended the cart, cut up the wood of the cart, and offered the cows as a burnt offering upon the large stone. Verse 16 specifically focuses on the Levites, who, as the tribe designated for holy service, took the initiative to handle the sacred objects according to their priestly duties, after the Philistines had departed, and before the more formal sacrificial rites.

1 Samuel 6 16 Word analysis

• And: This conjunction links the current action directly to the previous events of the Ark's arrival and the Philistines' departure (1 Sam 6:15). It indicates a natural progression in the narrative.
• the Levites: (Hebrew: ha-Leviyim, הַלְוִיִּם). The priestly tribe in Israel, set apart by God for tabernacle and temple service. Their specific duty included handling and transporting sacred vessels, especially the Ark (Num 3:31; 4:15; Deut 10:8). Their immediate action upon the Ark's return highlights their awareness of their divinely appointed role and the necessity of handling God's holy objects with proper reverence, a stark contrast to the Philistine methods.
• took down: (Hebrew: yoridu, הֹרִידוּ). This verb means "they caused to descend" or "they lowered." It implies a careful, deliberate act, distinguishing their actions from casual handling. This precision aligns with the Levitical charge concerning holy things, indicating a cautious approach in reverence to God's presence associated with the Ark.
• the ark: (Hebrew: ha-Aron, הָאָרוֹן). Referring to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's throne and presence (Ex 25:22). Its proper handling was vital, as illustrated by the severe judgment upon Uzzah for touching it later (2 Sam 6:6-7).
• of the Lord: (Hebrew: Yahweh, יְהוָה). Using the covenant name of God emphasizes His personal relationship with Israel and His unique holiness, which the Ark symbolized. This stresses the ultimate authority and sacredness of the Ark as belonging to the sovereign God of Israel, not merely a tribal deity.
• and the chest: (Hebrew: wĕha-argaz, וְהָאַרְגַּז). This refers to the secondary container, specifically described earlier (1 Sam 6:8) as holding the golden guilt offerings (tumors and mice) the Philistines sent. While not as sacred as the Ark, it was part of the divine payment and was treated with respectful association.
• that was with it: Indicates its close proximity and connection to the Ark during the return journey, signifying that the entire offering was treated as part of the holy tribute.
• in which were the articles of gold: Explicitly identifies the contents of the chest (the golden mice and tumors, as per 1 Sam 6:4-5), reinforcing the specific nature of the Philistine guilt offering to Yahweh. These were not random items but symbols of their suffering from the Ark.
• and put them: A straightforward action of placing, following the "taking down." It emphasizes that the objects were not left carelessly but designated a temporary resting place.
• on the large rock: (Hebrew: el ha-Even hā-gĕdolāh, אֶל־הָאֶבֶן הַגְּדוֹלָה). This refers to the specific prominent stone in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh (1 Sam 6:14-15) which likely served as an impromptu, massive altar for the subsequent burnt offering. A natural stone could be consecrated for sacrifice (Ex 20:25), making it a fitting temporary pedestal for the sacred objects and setting for worship. Its significance lies in its use as a site of immediate religious observance.

1 Samuel 6 16 Bonus section

The "large rock" mentioned here is not just a geographical marker; it potentially held cultic significance, even as a makeshift altar. Throughout biblical history, prominent rocks served as places for divine encounter, sacrifice, or monument (Gen 28:18; Judg 13:19-20). In this instance, its use immediately suggests a sacred, albeit improvised, setting for the returned Ark, bridging the extraordinary circumstances of its return with the established patterns of Israelite worship. This verse also implicitly highlights the difference between Philistine superstition (sending golden forms) and Israelite law (requiring proper priestly handling), asserting the uniqueness of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and His precise requirements for His worship.

1 Samuel 6 16 Commentary

1 Samuel 6:16 marks a crucial moment in the Ark's return: the re-establishment of divine order through the agency of the Levites. Having observed the miraculous journey of the Ark and the departure of the Philistine lords, the Israelite Levites swiftly take action. This act, while seemingly simple, carries profound significance. It symbolizes the transfer of stewardship over God's holy presence back to those explicitly commanded by God to handle such things, rectifying the prior irreverence and fear seen in the Philistine account. The careful "taking down" and "putting" of the Ark and the associated guilt offering on "the large rock" demonstrate respect and adherence to God's standards for holiness. This temporary resting place becomes the focal point for subsequent acts of worship and sacrifice (1 Sam 6:15), signifying an immediate, though provisional, re-engagement with Mosaic Law and the worship of Yahweh in a chaotic circumstance. The Levites’ obedience underscores God’s unyielding demand for reverence, preparing the narrative for the consequences of a later lack of such reverence in Beth-shemesh (1 Sam 6:19-20).