What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 6:21? So they sent messengers • “They” refers to the men of Beth-shemesh, who had just been struck with a severe judgment for looking into the ark (1 Samuel 6:19). • Sending messengers shows a humble acknowledgment that they could no longer keep the ark; their sin disqualified them from its custody. Compare the quick response of the Gibeonites in Joshua 10:6 when faced with danger. • God often prompts His people to act swiftly when holiness is compromised (2 Kings 22:13). to the people of Kiriath-jearim • Kiriath-jearim sat on Judah’s northern border (Joshua 18:14). It was close enough to respond but far enough to remove the immediate danger from Beth-shemesh. • This town had no tabernacle, yet its people were willing to shelter the ark, reminding us that God chooses unexpected places and people (1 Corinthians 1:27). • Soon the ark would rest in the house of Abinadab here for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2), underscoring the town’s pivotal role. saying • The simple introduction “saying” highlights that the message was clear and authoritative—no debate, just facts. • Throughout Scripture, decisive words often follow divine acts: see Jonah 3:4 or Acts 2:14. When God moves, His people must speak plainly. “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. • Only God could compel the pagan Philistines to surrender such a prized trophy (1 Samuel 6:11-12). • The phrase stresses God’s sovereignty: the ark is “of the LORD,” never truly possessed by enemies (1 Samuel 5:7). • It echoes Exodus 14:25, where the Egyptians recognized God’s hand and retreated; here the Philistines do the same. Come down and take it up with you.” • “Come down” implies urgency. Holiness could not remain mishandled another moment (Numbers 4:15). • “Take it up” points to proper transport by consecrated men. Later, David learns the hard way when he moves the ark on a cart rather than on Levite shoulders (2 Samuel 6:3-7; 1 Chronicles 15:13-15). • By inviting Kiriath-jearim, Beth-shemesh admits its failure and seeks a community better prepared to honor God’s requirements—a pattern of repentance and delegation worth imitating (Acts 6:2-4). summary Beth-shemesh, chastened by judgment, wastes no time alerting Kiriath-jearim. Their message recognizes God’s hand in forcing the Philistines to return His ark and calls for immediate, reverent relocation. The verse showcases divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the necessity of treating holy things in the manner God prescribes. |
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