1 Samuel 6:2

1 Samuel 6:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

the 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.”

King James Version KJV

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

American Standard Version ASV

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do with the ark of Jehovah? show us wherewith we shall send it to its place.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Philistines sent for the priests and those who were wise in secret arts, and said to them, What are we to do with the ark of the Lord? How are we to send it away to its place?

Free Bible Version FBV

the Philistines summoned the priests and fortune-tellers, and asked, “What should we do with the Ark of the Lord? Explain to us how to send it back to where it came from.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Philistims called the priests and the soothsayers, saying, What shall we doe with the Arke of the Lord? tell vs wherewith we shall send it home againe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the Philistines call for priests and for diviners, saying, 'What do we do to the ark of Jehovah? let us know wherewith we send it to its place?'

World English Bible WEB

The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the LORD’s ark? Show us how we should send it to its place.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us with what we shall send it to its place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying: What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? tell us how we are to send it back to its place? And they said:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then they summoned their priests and their ◄diviners/men who practice rituals to find out what would happen in the future►. They asked them, “What should we do with the sacred chest of Yahweh? Tell us how we should send it back to its own land.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:2

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 6:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְרְא֣וּ פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֤ים וְ/לַ/קֹּֽסְמִים֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר מַֽה נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה לַ/אֲר֣וֹן יְהוָ֑ה הוֹדִעֻ֕/נוּ בַּ/מֶּ֖ה נְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ לִ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ

וַ/יִּקְרְא֣וּ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֤ים kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp

וְ/לַ/קֹּֽסְמִים֙ qâçam H7080 to divine Conj | Prep | V-Qal

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מַֽה mâh H4100 what? Part

נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

לַ/אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark Prep | N-cs

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

הוֹדִעֻ֕/נוּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff

בַּ/מֶּ֖ה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

נְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-1cp | Suff

לִ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

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 6:2

וַ/יִּקְרְא֣וּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים 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.

לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֤ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וְ/לַ/קֹּֽסְמִים֙ qâçam H7080 "to divine" Conj | Prep | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to use magic or divination to predict the future, like Balaam did. It's often associated with false prophets and forbidden practices. This concept appears in various books, including Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) (Qal) to practice divination, divine 1a) of diviners of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets of Israel 1c) prohibited

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination). See also: Deuteronomy 18:10; Ezekiel 13:9; Isaiah 3:2.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

מַֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לַ/אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" Prep | 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.

יְהוָ֑ה 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.

הוֹדִעֻ֕/נוּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

בַּ/מֶּ֖ה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

נְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-1cp | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

לִ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 6:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:2
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2
Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:2

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.” 4“What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 7:11	But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts.
2	Genesis 41:8	In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
3	Daniel 5:7	The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
4	Daniel 2:2	So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,
5	Isaiah 47:12–13	So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.
6	Matthew 2:4	And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
7	Isaiah 2:6	For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east; they are soothsayers like the Philistines; they strike hands with the children of foreigners.
8	Micah 6:6–9	With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? The voice of the LORD calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it.

1 Samuel 6:2 Summary

In 1 Samuel 6:2, the Philistines were trying to figure out what to do with the ark of the LORD, which they had captured from the Israelites. They recognized that the ark was special and that God was powerful, and they wanted to return it to its rightful place. This shows that even people who don't follow God can recognize His power and want to respect Him, as seen in Romans 1:19-20. We can learn from the Philistines' experience by treating God with reverence and respect, and by seeking His guidance and healing when we are struggling, as encouraged in Psalm 46:1 and Jeremiah 29:12-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Philistines summon the priests and diviners in 1 Samuel 6:2?

The Philistines summoned the priests and diviners because they were seeking guidance on how to return the ark of the LORD to its place, as they had been afflicted with tumors and rats since capturing it, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:1-12. They recognized the power of the God of Israel and wanted to appease Him.

What was the significance of the ark of the LORD in the Philistines' land?

The ark of the LORD represented the presence and power of God, and its capture by the Philistines was a significant event, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:1-11. The Philistines' possession of the ark was a symbol of their rebellion against God, and their affliction was a demonstration of God's judgment, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:25.

How did the Philistines' actions in 1 Samuel 6:2 demonstrate their understanding of God's power?

The Philistines' actions demonstrated their recognition of God's power and their desire to appease Him, as they sought guidance on how to return the ark to its place, showing a level of reverence and fear, similar to the response of the people of Nineveh in Jonah 3:5-10.

What can we learn from the Philistines' experience with the ark of the LORD?

We can learn that God is a holy and powerful God who will not be ignored or disrespected, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5. The Philistines' experience serves as a reminder of the importance of treating God with reverence and respect, as commanded in Leviticus 10:3 and Hebrews 12:28-29.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have 'captured' or taken control of things that belong to God, and how can I return them to Him?
How have I seen God's power and judgment at work in my life or in the lives of others, and what can I learn from these experiences?
In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God in my daily life, and how can I prioritize His presence and power in my decisions and actions?
What are some 'tumors' or 'rats' that are afflicting my life, and how can I seek God's guidance and healing, as the Philistines did in 1 Samuel 6:2-3?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:2

And the Philistines called for the priests and for the diviners,.... The one were skilled in the rites and ceremonies of religion, not only of their own, but of other nations, particularly of Israel;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:2

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2

The diviners; whose art was in great esteem with heathen nations, and especially with the Philistines and their neighbours the Canaanites and Egyptians. Wherewith; in what manner, and with what gifts; for to send it they had decreed before, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2

1 Samuel 6:2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.Ver. 2. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners.] Who were so called from their divinations, that is, their superstitious searchings into things secret, and to foretell future events. Cicero saith they were called diviners, a divis, from the gods, that is, from the devils, with whom they dealt doubtless. What shall we do to the ark of the Lord?] They say not, What shall we do with it? for they were most of them resolved to send it home; but What shall we do to it? how shall we send it as it should be sent? for they knew that it is the manner that maketh or marreth an action. Sure it is, that in divine matters men must look that not only the body of their service be found, but that the clothes be fit: that it may be καλονκαλως.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2

(2) What shall we do to the ark of the Lord?—During the seven months which followed the great Philistine victory of Aphek, the Ark remained in the country of the enemies of Israel. It was removed from temple to temple in the various cities, but the same doom always followed it. The inhabitants of the city where was the Ark were smitten with deadly abscesses, in addition to which, from the statement in 1 Samuel 6:5, a plague of field-mice during the same period probably desolated the land. In their distress the Philistine rulers, determining to get rid of the fatal trophy of which they were once so proud, consulted their priests and diviners as to the most graceful and effective way of returning the captured Hebrew emblem. The “diviners” in the counsels of all the nations of antiquity occupy a distinguished place. We hear of them under different designations, as magicians, sorcerers, soothsayers, augurs, oracles, &c. They plied their strange trade, now with the aid of arrows, now with the entrails of slain animals, now with observation of the stars, now with the watching of natural signs, the flight of birds, &c. These men, who in one form or other dabbled in occult science, and perhaps here and there were aided by evil and unclean spirits, but who more frequently traded on the credulity and superstition of their fellows, occupied a considerable position among the nations of antiquity. We hear of them frequently among the Israelites, who seem to have adopted this class of advisers from the heathen nations around them. Isaiah (Isaiah 3:2) specially mentions them, and reckons these diviners among the leading orders of the State. The English Version, however, with singular inconsistency, renders the word in that same passage by “prudent;” possibly, it has been ingeniously suggested, owing to the translators being displeased at finding the professors of a forbidden art ranked so highly among the chosen people. In the first verse the LXX. add, “and the land swarmed with mice,” another of the many explanatory additions so common in the Greek translation of the Hebrew.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2

Verse 2. The diviners] קסמים kosemim, from קסם kasam, to presage or prognosticate. See Deuteronomy 18:10. In what their pretended art consisted, we know not.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:2

2. diviners] Men who professed to predict future events or interpret the will of heaven by the observation of omens. See Exodus 7:11; Daniel 2:2. Philistine diviners seem to have been celebrated. Cp. Isaiah 2:6.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:2

The word for “priest” here is the same as that used for the priests of the true God; that for diviners is everywhere used of idolatrous or superstitious divining.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:2

2. The priests and the diviners — These were the sacred orders among the Philistines, as the sacred scribes and magicians were among the Egyptians. Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:2

	Sermon	Description
	2 Timothy - Part 14 by John Hunter	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the presence of con men in the world who deceive people and take their money. He also talks about a proud and arrogant man who believes he is
	All Miracles and Healings Come From God by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch emphasizes that the ability to perform miracles does not automatically authenticate a ministry, as even false prophets and charlatans can deceive with signs and wonders
	Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ
	Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b
	About Astrology by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing
	A Bad Family Tree by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar
	Homily 7 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing how even the enemies of the truth unwittingly contributed to the fulfillment