1 Samuel 6:7-9: The Ark of God Returns to Israel
The Background
In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the Ark of God, which was placed in the temple of Dagon in Ashdod. The Philistines thought they had triumphed over God, but God humbled them by striking them with tumors and pestilence. The Philistines then sent the Ark to the city of Gath, but God's judgment continued to fall upon them. Eventually, the Ark was sent to Ekron, but again, God's wrath was poured out upon the people.
The Return of the Ark
In 1 Samuel 6:7-9, the Philistines decided to return the Ark of God to Israel. They placed the Ark on a new cart, along with five golden tumors and five golden mice, which represented the plague that had afflicted them. The Philistines chose a pair of milk cows that had never been yoked before and hitched them to the cart. They reasoned that if the cows went straight to Beth-shemesh, a city in Israel, it would be a sign that God was responsible for their affliction.
The Journey of the Ark
Verses 7-8:
"And the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh, and stood there; and a great stone was there; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord."
The cows, driven by God, went straight to Beth-shemesh, a city in Israel. The people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest when they saw the Ark approaching. They rejoiced at its return and offered a burnt offering to the Lord.
The Aftermath
Verse 9:
"And the people of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the Lord; and the Levites bare the ark of the Lord, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold, which the Philistines had returned, were, and put them with the things which were made of wood."
The people of Beth-shemesh celebrated the return of the Ark with burnt offerings and sacrifices. The Levites took charge of the Ark, along with the coffer containing the golden tumors and mice, and placed them with the other wooden objects.
Conclusion
The return of the Ark marked a significant turning point in Israel's history. God had demonstrated His power and sovereignty over the false gods of the Philistines, and Israel was once again reminded of His presence among them. The event serves as a powerful reminder of God's might and His desire to dwell among His people.
