1 Samuel 6

Commentary

1 Samuel 6 is a chapter that focuses on the Philistines’ return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites. After the Philistines had captured the Ark from the Israelites, they experienced a series of plagues and other disasters. In an effort to rid themselves of the plagues, the Philistines consulted their priests and diviners and were instructed to return the Ark to the Israelites. The Philistines then constructed a cart and placed the Ark on it, along with a guilt offering of five golden tumors and five golden rats. They then sent the cart to the Israelites, with the hope that the plagues would cease. When the cart arrived in Beth-shemesh, the Israelites rejoiced and offered sacrifices to the Lord. The chapter ends with the Philistines’ fear of the Lord and their recognition of His power. This is an important reminder to us that God is sovereign and that He is to be feared and respected. We should never forget that He is in control and that He is the one who ultimately determines our fate. We should also remember that He is a God of mercy and grace, and that He is willing to forgive us when we turn to Him in repentance.