1 Samuel 6:2
And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the Lord? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.
1 Samuel 6:2 (KJV)
Context
The events of 1 Samuel 6 take place near the end of the period of the judges, just before Israel’s monarchy begins. In the previous chapter, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in battle. But the Ark brought calamity upon them, and they now seek to be rid of it. Being pagans, they do not know the ways of the God of Israel, so they call for their priests and diviners to advise them. This consultation reflects their attempt to discern divine will through their own religious practices, which are contrary to God’s law.
Meaning
The Philistines ask, “What shall we do to the ark of the LORD?” They recognize that the Ark belongs to the God of Israel, yet they do not know how to handle it or return it to its rightful place. Their priests and diviners were supposed to communicate with deities and interpret signs, but their methods were forbidden by God. The question reveals both fear and ignorance. They want to appease a God they do not know, relying on their own wisdom rather than turning to Him in repentance. Their dilemma highlights the reality that God’s holiness cannot be manipulated or contained by human means.
Biblical connections
The Ark represented God’s presence and covenant with Israel. Its mishandling brought judgment, as seen in the plagues that struck the Philistines. This verse sets the stage for their decision to send the Ark back with a guilt offering of golden tumors and mice, as described in the following verses. Their approach, though flawed, shows an acknowledgment of a higher power, but it is rooted in superstition rather than covenant relationship. This contrast between pagan divination and true faith in the God of Israel is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Ark was not to be treated as a mere object; its mishandling brought judgment.
Application
Even the pagan Philistines acknowledged the Ark’s sacredness, which reminds us of God’s holiness and the need to treat sacred things with reverence. Their appeal to priests and diviners illustrates the human desire to seek divine wisdom in difficult situations. Believers are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and counsel from mature believers, rather than through humanly devised methods. The Philistines’ dilemma highlights the reality that God’s holiness cannot be manipulated or contained by human means. This passage invites readers to consider how they approach God: with reverent obedience or with humanly devised methods.
Reflection
Despite the Philistines’ ignorance, God remained 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. The passage invites us to consider how we approach God: with reverent obedience or with humanly devised methods. It also foreshadows the importance of proper worship and the seriousness of God’s holiness, themes that resonate throughout Scripture. The Philistines’ question, “What shall we do to the ark of the LORD?” challenges us to examine our own response to God’s presence and to seek His guidance with humility and faith. Their fear and ignorance remind us that knowing God truly requires more than recognizing His power; it requires a relationship of trust and obedience.
