1 Samuel 6

1 Samuel 6:1

SEven moneths] They thought in continuance of time their plagues would have ceased, and so would have kept the ark still.

1 Samuel 6:2

to his place] That is, to the land of Israel.

1 Samuel 6:3

not empty] That is, not without some gift or present to appease his wrath incensed against us, Exodus 23:15.

trespasse-offering] That is, an offering for your sin, either in taking it away, or not using it aright, according to his laws.

and it shall be] That is, upon the sending of his offering, it shall be known if you be healed, that it was his hand upon you for your sin, or if you be not, then that it came not from the God of Israel, but by chance, or some hidden naturall cause. So v. 9.

1 Samuel 6:4

on you all] Heb. them; That is, both lords and common people.

1 Samuel 6:5

images of your emerods] That is, in the figure of figs, like the knops or swellings of that disease.

marre the land] That is, have eaten up and spoiled your corn.

and ye shall give glory] By this offering acknowledging that he hath justly punished you for your presumptuous sin, in medling with his holy ark, Josh. . 19. John 9:24.

of your gods] That is, Dagon and others, who is now vilified with this dishonour and disgrace which he hath lately put upon him, Chap. 5. 3, 4.

1 Samuel 6:6

harden your] That is, wilfully retaining the ark, after the suffering of such great punishments.

wonderfully] Or, reproachfully.

did not let the people g] Exodus 12:31.

the people] Hebr. them. That is, of Israel.

1 Samuel 6:7

a new cart] To wit, which hath never been yet profaned by being put to any common use. So 2 Samuel 6:3.

bring their calves home] To see if their naturall instinct of love towards their young ones will be overcome by a supernaturall and divine power and providence, causing the kine to leave their calves, and to go on in their way, carrying the ark into its own place.

1 Samuel 6:8

jewels of gold] That is, the golden emerods and mice.

in a coffer [Not presuming to put them into the ark it self.

1 Samuel 6:9

he hath done] Or, it. That is, the God of Israel hath inflicted these plagues upon us.

1 Samuel 6:12

Beth-shemesh] See Joshua 15:10. 21. 16.

lowing as they went] That is, by a naturall instinct hanging after their calves left behinde them; but yet moved to go on with the cart by a superiour and divine providence.

turned not aside] That is, not into crosse or by-wayes that lay by their passage.

went after them] To wit, for triall of the matter.

1 Samuel 6:13

their wheat-harvest] Which in that countrey was in the moneth of May, about the time of Pentecost, Lev. 23. 16. whereby it appeareth, That the ark was taken in the beginning of November, or somewhat before, seeing it was seven moneths in the land of the Philistines, v. 1.

1 Samuel 6:14

and they clave the wood] To wit, the Leviticall priests, who were ready at hand to execute their office, because they dwelt at Beth-shemesh, a city of the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:10. which was given to the priests, Joshua 21:16.

1 Samuel 6:15

And the Levites] That is, the priests, who were of the tribe of Levi: for the Levites might carry, but not touch the holy things, Num. 4. 1. 2 Sam. 6. 6, 7.

offered burnt-offerings] That is, brought their oblations to the priests, to be sacrificed by them.

1 Samuel 6:18

even unto] That is, to that stone which is in the utmost border of their territory.

great stone of Abel] Or, great stone; signifying complaint and mourning: so called, from the great lamentation that was taken up for the grievous slaughter, mentioned v. 19.

1 Samuel 6:19

because they had looked] Contrary to Gods expresse commandment, Numbers 4:15,20. either out of curiosity, to see what the Philistines had put in, or taken out, or else profanenesse, and violation of Gods command.

sinote of the people] To wit, those that came from all parts of the land to meet the ark coming home, or those that lay in garison upon the borders to defend the land from the in-roads of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 6:20

to whom shall he] That is, the ark, which is the visible signe of his presence and glory.