“And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.”
Context: In this verse, the Philistines had captured the ark of the covenant, which belonged to the God of Israel, and they were afflicted with various plagues as a result. The Philistines sought counsel on how to resolve this situation and finally decided to return the ark to the Israelites. The verse contains the advice given by the Philistine priests to their rulers regarding the proper way to send the ark back.
Sending the ark not empty: The Philistine priests advised their rulers that if they were to send away the ark, it should not be done empty. This instruction emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significance of the ark of the covenant. The ark symbolized the presence and power of God among His people. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God’s covenant with Israel, as well as other sacred items. By emphasizing that the ark should not be sent away empty, the priests acknowledged that it deserved honor and respect.
Returning a trespass offering: The priests also advised the Philistine rulers to send a trespass offering along with the ark. A trespass offering was a type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins or violations of God’s law. By offering this sacrifice, the Philistines acknowledged their wrongdoing in taking the ark and sought forgiveness from the God of Israel. It demonstrated their understanding that their actions had offended the Lord and that reconciliation was necessary.
The promise of healing: The priests assured the Philistine rulers that if they followed these instructions, they would be healed, and the reason for the afflictions they experienced would be revealed. The plagues that befell the Philistines were seen as divine punishments for their improper treatment of the ark. By returning the ark with reverence and offering a trespass offering, they sought to appease God and bring an end to their suffering.
Lessons and Applications:
- Reverence for the presence of God: The instruction not to send the ark away empty reminds us of the importance of revering and respecting the presence of God. It teaches us to approach God with humility and awe, recognizing His holiness and power.
- Seeking forgiveness: The Philistines’ act of offering a trespass offering teaches us the significance of acknowledging our sins, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. It reminds us to take responsibility for our actions and seek reconciliation with God and others when we have wronged them.
- The healing power of repentance: The promise of healing in this verse illustrates the restorative power of repentance. When we genuinely repent and turn away from our sins, seeking forgiveness, God is willing to heal and restore us.
- Understanding the consequences of actions: The Philistines’ afflictions served as a reminder of the consequences of their actions. It highlights the importance of considering the potential outcomes before engaging in actions that may offend or dishonor God.
In summary, 1 Samuel 6:3 teaches us the importance of revering God’s presence, seeking forgiveness and making amends when we have sinned, and understanding the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that true healing and restoration come through repentance and a genuine desire to honor God.
