1 Samuel 6:1
1 Samuel 6:1 in Multiple Translations
When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months,
And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
And the ark of Jehovah was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
Now the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines for seven months.
After the Ark of the Lord had been in the country of the Philistines for seven months,
So the Arke of the Lord was in the countrey of the Philistims seuen moneths.
And the ark of Jehovah is in the field of the Philistines seven months,
The LORD’s ark was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
Now the ark of God was in the land of the Philistines seven months.
The people of Philistia kept God’s sacred chest in their area for seven months.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֧י
אֲרוֹן
יְהוָ֛ה
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
חֳדָשִֽׁים
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲרוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
חֳדָשִֽׁים
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 6:1
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֲרוֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֥ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
חֳדָשִֽׁים
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 6:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:1
Context — The Ark Returned to Israel
1When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months,
2the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.” 3They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:61 | He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 5:3 | When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 5:1 | After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 5:10–11 | So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. |
1 Samuel 6:1 Summary
The ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines for seven months, which was a significant event because it showed God's power and judgment. During this time, the Philistines were afflicted with tumors and other plagues, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:1-12, which demonstrates the importance of treating God's presence with reverence and respect, as stated in Exodus 25:22. This event reminds us that God is a holy and just God who demands our respect and obedience, as seen in Leviticus 10:3, and that we should always approach Him with reverence and awe, as warned in Hebrews 12:28-29. By reflecting on this event, we can learn to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God in our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines keep the ark of the LORD for seven months?
The Philistines kept the ark for seven months, possibly because they were trying to figure out what to do with it, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:2, and also because they were being punished by God for taking it, as referenced in 1 Samuel 5:6-12, which mentions the plagues they suffered as a result of having the ark.
What was the significance of the ark being in the land of the Philistines?
The ark being in the land of the Philistines was a significant event because it represented the presence of God among His enemies, as stated in Exodus 25:22, and it also showed God's power and judgment, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:1-12, where the Philistines were afflicted with tumors.
How did the seven months relate to the Israelites' history?
The seven months the ark was in the land of the Philistines may have been a time of reflection and repentance for the Israelites, as they realized their mistake in taking the ark into battle, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 4:1-11, and it may have also been a time for them to seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
What can we learn from the Philistines' experience with the ark?
We can learn from the Philistines' experience that God is a holy and just God who will not be trifled with, as stated in Leviticus 10:3, and that His presence demands reverence and respect, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, where it warns us to worship God with reverence and awe.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have taken God's presence for granted, and how can I show more reverence and respect for Him in my daily life?
- How have I seen God's power and judgment at work in my life or in the world around me, and what can I learn from these experiences?
- What are some 'tumors' or afflictions in my life that may be a result of my disobedience or lack of reverence for God, and how can I seek His healing and restoration?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of God's presence in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:1
And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:1
And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months. The ark ... was in the country of the Philistines seven months , [ bisdeeh (H7704)] - in the field or cultivated plain of the Philistines.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 6 The Philistines consult with the priests how they shall return the ark: they advise to send with it for a trespass-offering five golden emerods and mice, on a new cart which they do: the kine tied to the cart, go straightway to Beth-shemesh; which was for a sign to the Philistines, . They of Beth-shemesh rejoice: the Levites offer sacrifice for it, . The people are smitten for looking into the ark; and request them of Kirjath-jearim to fetch it thence into their own city, . So long they kept it, as loth to lose so great a prize, and willing to try all ways to keep it, and yet free themselves from the mischiefs accompanying its presence.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
1 Samuel 6:1 And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.Ver. 1. And the ark of the Lord was in the country.] Heb., In the field of the Philistines: whence some have thought, that being plagued for it while in their houses, they set it in the open fields, and were thereupon plagued with mice and moles, that turned up their fields and devoured their grain. Seven months.] Not four months only, as Josephus, falsely. This was a long while for God’ s people to be without that visible pawn of his presence and glory; so that they might seem to be as forlorn and forsaken of him. Such a misery may befall any people, to be bereft of God’ s ordinances; or any soul, to be for a time without the sense of his gracious presence and light of his countenance. But God hath promised to his to be "a little sanctuary unto them," and "not to leave them," or if he do so, yet "not to forsake them," provided that they look upon all other comforts as so many Ichabods, till he return unto them in mercy and lovingkindness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
CHAPTER VI After the ark had been seven months in the land of the Philistines, they consult their priests and diviners about sending it to Shiloh, 1, 2. They advise that it be sent back with a trespass-offering of five golden emerods, and five golden mice, 3-6. They advise also that it be sent back on a new cart, drawn by two milch kine from whom their calves shall be tied up; and then conclude that if these cows shalt take the way of Beth-hemesh, as going to the Israelitish border, then the LORD had afflicted them, if not, then their evils were accidental, 7-9. They do as directed; and the kine take the way of Beth-shemesh, 10-13. They stop in the field of Joshua; and the men of Beth-shemesh take them, and offer them to the Lord for a burnt-offering, and cleave the wood of the cart to burn them, and make sundry other offerings, 14, 15. The offerings of the five lords of the Philistines, 16-18. For too curiously looking into the ark, the men of Beth-shemesh are smitten of the Lord, 19, 20. They send to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, that they may take away the ark, 21. NOTES ON CHAP. VI
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:1
Ch. 1 Samuel 6:1-9. The Philistines resolve to send back the Ark 1. The Sept. adds, at the end of the verse, “And their land swarmed with mice,” probably an explanatory gloss in anticipation of 1 Samuel 6:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:1
RETURN OF THE ARK TO KIRJATH-JEARIM, Samuel 1 Samuel 6:1 to 1 Samuel 7:1.1. Seven months — “So enfeebled and debased was Israel by their sins, that they durst not or would not attempt to recover it.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Samuel) What Happens by Chance by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God. He highlights the contrast between chance and the God who lives in heaven, asserting that God is in contro |
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Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inev |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Samuel by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of pouring out one's soul to God, as exemplified by Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel. He illustrates how this act of surrender leads to di |