“And the men did so, and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home.”
This verse is part of a narrative that describes the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites after it had been in the possession of the Philistines. To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context and key themes surrounding it:
Background:The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant during a battle with the Israelites (1 Samuel 4). However, they soon realised that having the Ark in their possession brought them various afflictions and plagues. As a result, they decided to return it to the Israelites.
The method of return:In verse 10, it is described that the Philistines prepared a cart and selected two milch (milk-producing) cows. They tied these cows to the cart, ensuring they were separated from their calves by shutting them up at home. This act was significant because it tested the obedience and nature of the cows.
Symbolism:The Philistines chose to use cows that had recently given birth, emphasising their strong maternal instinct to return to their young ones. By separating the cows from their calves, they created a situation where the cows would naturally want to go back to their offspring. If the cows proceeded towards Israel instead, it would demonstrate the divine intervention and confirm that the plagues experienced by the Philistines were indeed caused by the presence of the Ark.
God’s intervention:In the subsequent verses (1 Samuel 6:11-12), it is revealed that the cows, against their natural inclination, chose to proceed towards the land of Israel, pulling the cart carrying the Ark. This miraculous event showed that God was guiding their actions and endorsing the return of the Ark to its rightful place.
Lessons and applications:This passage highlights God’s sovereignty and power over nature. It demonstrates that God can use ordinary and unlikely means to accomplish His purposes. The cows’ obedience to proceed toward Israel, despite their natural instincts, reminds us of the importance of submitting to God’s will, even when it goes against our inclinations. Furthermore, this story serves as a reminder that God’s presence and holiness cannot be treated lightly. The Philistines’ experiences with plagues illustrated the consequences of mishandling the Ark, which was a symbol of God’s covenant and presence among His people.
In summary, 1 Samuel 6:10 portrays the Philistines’ preparation to return the Ark to Israel by using milch cows, separating them from their calves. This act of obedience and the subsequent miraculous event demonstrated God’s sovereignty and power, emphasising the importance of submitting to His will.
