1 Samuel 6:12
1 Samuel 6:12 in Multiple Translations
And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh.
And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Beth-shemesh.
And the kine took the straight way by the way to Beth-shemesh; they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Beth-shemesh.
And the cows took the straight way, by the road to Beth-shemesh; they went by the highway, not turning to the right or to the left, and the sound of their voices was clear on the road; and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the edge of Beth-shemesh.
The cows went straight up the road to Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went, going directly on the main road and not turning either left or right. The Philistine rulers followed them all the way to the border of Beth-shemesh.
And the kine went the streight way to Beth-shemesh, and kept one path and lowed as they went, and turned neither to the right hand nor to the left: also the Princes of the Philistims went after them, vnto the borders of Beth-shemesh.
And the kine go straight in the way, on the way to Beth-Shemesh, in one highway they have gone, going and lowing, and have not turned aside right or left; and the princes of the Philistines are going after them unto the border of Beth-Shemesh.
The cows took the straight way by the way to Beth Shemesh. They went along the highway, lowing as they went, and didn’t turn away to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.
And the cows took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth-shemesh.
And the kine took the straight way that leadeth to Bethsames, and they went along the way, lowing as they went: and turned not aside neither to the right hand nor to the left: and the lords of the Philistines followed them as far as the borders of Bethsames.
Then the cows started walking, and they went straight toward Beth-Shemesh. They stayed on the road, and were mooing all the time. They did not turn to the left or to the right. The five kings of the Philistia area followed the cows until they reached the edge of Beth-Shemesh.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:12
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 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִשַּׁ֨רְנָה
הַ/פָּר֜וֹת
בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ
עַל
דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙
בֵּ֣ית
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
בִּ/מְסִלָּ֣ה
אַחַ֗ת
הָלְכ֤וּ
הָלֹךְ֙
וְ/גָע֔וֹ
וְ/לֹא
סָ֖רוּ
יָמִ֣ין
וּ/שְׂמֹ֑אול
וְ/סַרְנֵ֤י
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
הֹלְכִ֣ים
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ם
עַד
גְּב֖וּל
בֵּ֥ית
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
וַ/יִשַּׁ֨רְנָה
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
הַ/פָּר֜וֹת
pârâh
H6510
heifer
Art | N-fp
בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
בִּ/מְסִלָּ֣ה
mᵉçillâh
H4546
highway
Prep | N-fs
אַחַ֗ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
הָלְכ֤וּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָלֹךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/גָע֔וֹ
gâʻâh
H1600
to low
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
סָ֖רוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָמִ֣ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs
וּ/שְׂמֹ֑אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Conj | N-ms
וְ/סַרְנֵ֤י
çeren
H5633
lord
Conj | N-mp
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
הֹלְכִ֣ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
גְּב֖וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 6:12
וַ/יִשַּׁ֨רְנָה
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
הַ/פָּר֜וֹת
pârâh
H6510
"heifer"
Art | N-fp
A heifer is a young female cow, and this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe such an animal. In Exodus 29:1, a heifer is used as a sacrifice, and in Numbers 19:2, it is used for purification. It is an important animal in biblical times.
Definition: cow, heifer
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cow, heifer, kine. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 19:6; Isaiah 11:7.
בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
בִּ/מְסִלָּ֣ה
mᵉçillâh
H4546
"highway"
Prep | N-fs
This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.
Definition: highway, raised way, public road
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.
אַחַ֗ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
הָלְכ֤וּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
הָלֹךְ֙
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/גָע֔וֹ
gâʻâh
H1600
"to low"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
To low means to make a loud, mournful sound like cattle. This word is used to describe the sound of animals, usually expressing sadness or need. It appears in the Bible as a descriptive term.
Definition: (Qal) to low, bellow (of cattle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: low. See also: 1 Samuel 6:12; Job 6:5.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
סָ֖רוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
יָמִ֣ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
וּ/שְׂמֹ֑אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Conj | N-ms
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
וְ/סַרְנֵ֤י
çeren
H5633
"lord"
Conj | N-mp
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
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.
הֹלְכִ֣ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
גְּב֖וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
שָֽׁמֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:12
Context — The Ark Returned to Israel
10So the men did as instructed. They took two milk cows, hitched them to the cart, and penned up their calves.
11Then they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, along with the chest containing the gold rats and the images of the tumors.
12And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh.
13Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight. 14The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 20:19 | “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” |
1 Samuel 6:12 Summary
[This verse shows us that God is in control of everything, even the actions of animals, as seen in the cows that went straight to Beth-shemesh without being guided. This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 21:1, where it says that the king's heart is in God's hand. The cows' behavior was a miracle, and it demonstrated God's power and authority. We can trust that God is working in our lives, just like He worked in the lives of the Israelites, and that He will guide us and lead us to where He wants us to be, as promised in Psalm 32:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the cows go straight to Beth-shemesh without being guided?
This was a miraculous event, demonstrating God's sovereignty and power, as seen in other instances like Exodus 14:21 where He parted the Red Sea, and in 1 Samuel 5:8 where the Philistines were afflicted for taking the ark of the Lord.
What is the significance of the cows lowing as they went?
The lowing of the cows may have been a sign of their unusual behavior, as they were not following their natural instinct to return to their calves, but instead were being led by God to return the ark to the Israelites, much like the donkey in Numbers 22:22-35 that was used by God to speak to Balaam.
Why did the rulers of the Philistines follow the cows to the border of Beth-shemesh?
The rulers of the Philistines followed the cows to ensure that they were indeed being led by God and to verify that the ark was being returned to the Israelites, as they had been instructed in 1 Samuel 6:9-10.
What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse?
We can learn that even those who do not know God can recognize His power and authority, and that they may even be drawn to follow Him, as seen in the case of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 who followed the star to worship Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the cows, be guided by God's sovereignty and power in my life, even when it seems uncertain or unclear?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's leading, just as the cows trusted in His leading to return the ark to the Israelites?
- In what ways can I, like the rulers of the Philistines, acknowledge and respect God's authority, even if I do not fully understand His ways?
- How can I, like the Israelites, rejoice and worship God when He works miraculously in my life, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:13-14?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:12
And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh,.... Though they had none to drive, lead, or guide them, yet they steered their course to the road that led to Bethshemesh, though there
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:12
And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-she'mesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
To the way of Beth-shemesh, i.e. leading to Beth-shemesh, a city of the priests, , who were by office to take care of it. Lowing as they went; testifying at once both their natural and vehement inclination to their calves, and the supernatural and Divine power which overruled them to a contrary course. The lords of the Philistines went after them, under pretence of an honourable dismission of it; but in truth, to prevent all imposture, and to get assurance of the truth of the event; all which circumstances tended to their greater confusion, and illustration of God’ s glory.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, [and] went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside [to] the right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.Ver. 12. And the kine took the straight way.] So far did God, as it were, gratify these idolaters in a thing that so much concerned his own glory, and the comfort of his poor people, who now looked upon themselves as forlorn and forsaken of him. Lowing as they went.] In token of grief for leaving their young ones: but all creatures "continue according to thine ordinance," saith David, "for they all are thy servants." Let not us draw God’ s ark, bear Christ’ s yoke, lowing and lamenting, but lively and cheerful, "ready to every good work." Melior est sancta laetitia quam querula quasi tristitia, saith an ancient. And the lords of the Philistines went after them.] And so, as servants and pages they attend upon the ark, which erst as conquerors they carried captive. This was the Lord’ s own work, and should have been marvellous in their eyes.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
(12) Went along the highway, lowing.—But the dumb beasts did what the idol priests and diviners scarcely considered possible, for God’s hand drove them. The narrative here throughout is evidently unadorned, very easy and natural, and speaks of primitive customs, telling its story of the Divine interference of the “Glorious Arm” with exquisite simplicity and truth. The dumb beasts went on their strange way with their golden burden, the princes of the Philistines following them, awe-struck, at a distance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
Verse 12. Lowing as they went] Calling for their calves. To the right hand or to the left] Some think they were placed where two roads met; one going to Ekron, the other to Beth-shemesh. It is possible that they were put in such circumstances as these for the greater certainty of the affair: to have turned from their own homes, from their calves and known pasture, and to have taken the road to a strange country, must argue supernatural influence. The lords of the Philistines went after] They were so jealous in this business that they would trust no eyes but their own. All this was wisely ordered, that there might be the fullest conviction of the being and interposition of God.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:12
10–18. The plan carried out and the Ark restored to Israel 12. took the straight way to the way of Beth-skemesh] Better, went straight forward on the road to Beth-shemesh.lowing as they went] For their lost calves.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:12
Lowing as they went - Milking cows had been chosen on purpose to make the sign more significant.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12
12. The kine took the straight way — Literally, were straight in the way on the way of Beth-shemesh, in a highway they continued going and lowing.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Unrelenting Humility of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scene of worship described in Revelation chapter 4. The worship is directed towards the God of all creation, with thunderings, lightning |
|
And the Kine Went Along the Highway, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine guidance evident in the story of the kine that moved along the highway, illustrating how God can direct even the most instinctual behaviors to fulf |