“And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us.”
Context: The passage is part of the narrative in 1 Samuel that recounts the events following the Philistines’ capture of the Ark of the Covenant, which had been in Israel’s possession. The Philistines were afflicted with various plagues after they took the Ark, which led them to recognize God’s hand in their troubles. In an attempt to send the Ark back to the Israelites, the Philistines sought guidance from their priests and diviners.
Recognizing Divine Intervention: The Philistines acknowledged that the afflictions they experienced were not mere chance or coincidence. They understood that something greater than themselves was at work. The phrase, “then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us,” reveals their desire to discern whether their misfortunes were caused by God’s hand or mere happenstance. This recognition demonstrates the acknowledgment of divine intervention and the understanding that there are consequences for opposing or mishandling the things of God.
Testing God’s Will: The Philistines devised a test to determine if their misfortunes were a direct result of their capture of the Ark. They set the Ark on a cart pulled by two cows and observed whether the cows would naturally return to the Israelite territory of Bethshemesh. This test aimed to verify if their troubles were caused by God, and if so, the Ark would not remain in their land but return to its rightful place among the Israelites. The Philistines were seeking a confirmation of God’s will and acknowledging His sovereignty over their situation.
God’s Sovereignty and Guidance: This passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ability to direct events even among those who do not follow Him. Despite the Philistines’ idolatrous practices and their possession of the Ark, God intervened and made His presence known. This event ultimately served to glorify God and demonstrate His supremacy over all nations and peoples.
Lessons for Believers: From this passage, believers can draw a few important lessons. First, it reminds us of the significance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives. Sometimes, we may face challenges or difficult circumstances that can be attributed to divine discipline or guidance. Second, the passage highlights the importance of seeking God’s will through testing and discernment. Just as the Philistines devised a test to understand God’s intentions, we too should seek guidance through prayer, study, and wise counsel. Lastly, this passage shows that God’s sovereignty extends beyond the boundaries of a particular nation or people. He can work in unexpected ways and use even unlikely circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Overall, 1 Samuel 6:9 teaches us about recognizing God’s intervention, seeking His will, and acknowledging His sovereignty. It encourages us to humbly submit to God and trust in His guidance and providence.
