"And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day."
This verse is part of the narrative of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites after it had been in the possession of the Philistines. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context and the events leading up to it.
In the previous chapters of 1 Samuel, we learn that the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant during a battle with the Israelites. However, they soon realised that the presence of the Ark brought about plagues and afflictions upon them. As a result, they decided to return the Ark to the Israelites.
Samuel 6 describes the process the Philistines followed to send the Ark back to Israel. They crafted a new cart, placed the Ark on it, and also included offerings of golden images representing the plagues they had experienced. The Philistines then set the cart with the Ark and the offerings on a course toward the Israelite territory: In verse 12, we read that the cows pulling the cart instinctively headed straight for Beth Shemesh, an Israelite city. When the people of Beth Shemesh saw the Ark coming, they rejoiced and offered burnt offerings to the Lord.
Returning to verse 16, it states, “And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.” The “five lords of the Philistines” refers to the rulers or governors of the five major Philistine cities: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. These were significant figures of authority among the Philistines.
When the lords of the Philistines witnessed the Ark being successfully returned to the Israelites and the celebration of the people of Beth Shemesh, they returned to Ekron, which was one of their major cities. This verse highlights the reaction of the Philistine leaders to the event, emphasising their acknowledgement of the power of the God of Israel.
This verse also underscores the contrast between the Philistines, who experienced calamity and affliction due to their possession of the Ark, and the Israelites, who welcomed it back with joy and offerings to the Lord.
Overall, 1 Samuel 6:16 reminds us of God’s sovereignty and the fulfilment of His promises. Despite the temporary capture of the Ark by the Philistines, God orchestrated its return to the Israelites. This event demonstrated God’s power and revealed His superiority over the false gods of the Philistines. It also served as a reminder for the Israelites to honour and worship God faithfully.
By studying this verse and its surrounding context, we can gain insights into God’s faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of acknowledging His authority in our lives.
