1 Samuel 6:2

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diuiners, saying, What shall we doe to the Arke of the Lord ? Tell vs wherewith we shall send it to his place? 1 Samuel 6:2 (KJV)

Historical Context: The events described in 1 Samuel 6 occur toward the end of the period of the judges, just before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The Israelites had been in conflict with the Philistines, and in the previous chapter they lost the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines in battle. The Philistines, being pagans, were unfamiliar with the ways of the God of Israel and were unsure how to handle the sacred Ark.

Philistine Dilemma: In this verse the Philistines call for their priests and diviners to seek advice on what to do with the Ark. They recognize that the Ark belongs to the “LORD,” the God of Israel, yet they do not know the proper way to handle it or return it to its rightful place.

Seeking Guidance: The Philistines turn to their religious authorities, the priests and diviners, for counsel. In ancient times diviners were consulted for their supposed ability to communicate with deities or interpret signs and omens. The Philistines therefore seek guidance on how to treat the sacred Ark and return it safely to its place.

Spiritual Lessons:

God’s Holiness: Even the pagan Philistines acknowledge that the Ark is the property of the God of Israel, highlighting the Ark’s representation of God’s presence and covenant. This serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and the need to treat sacred things with reverence.

Seeking Divine Wisdom: The Philistines’ appeal to their priests and diviners illustrates the human desire to seek divine wisdom when faced with unfamiliar or difficult situations. Believers are likewise encouraged to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and counsel from mature believers.

God’s Sovereignty: Despite the Philistines’ ignorance of God’s ways, the narrative shows that God remains in control, orchestrating events to teach both Israel and the Philistines about His power and authority. This underscores God’s sovereignty over all nations, even those that do not acknowledge Him.

Subsequent Events: In the following verses the Philistines receive specific instructions on how to return the Ark. They offer a guilt offering of golden models of the tumors and mice (or rats) that had plagued them as a symbolic gesture of repentance. They place the Ark on a cart pulled by cows, which then leads it back to Israelite territory. Through this process God demonstrates His power and control, allowing the Ark to be returned and the Philistines to learn from the experience.

Overall, 1 Samuel 6:2 captures a moment when the Philistines recognize the sacredness of the Ark and seek proper guidance for its handling. The passage offers insights into God’s holiness, the importance of seeking divine wisdom, and the overarching sovereignty of God over all peoples.