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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:1-9

The first words of the chapter tell us how long the captivity of the ark continued?it was in the country of the Philistines seven months. In the field of the Philistines (so it is in the original), from which some gather that, having tried it in all their cities, and found it a plague to the inhabitants of each, at length they sent it into the open fields, upon which mice sprang up out of the ground in great multitudes, and destroyed the corn which was now nearly ripe and marred the land. With... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:2

And the Philistines called for the priests and for the diviners ,.... The one were skilled in the rites and ceremonies of religion, not only of their own, but of other nations, particularly of Israel; and that they were not strangers to the history and affairs of that people is plain from 1 Samuel 6:6 and the other were skilled in judicial astrology, and knowledge of future events, at least as they pretended to; and therefore were both thought fit persons to advise with on the occasion of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:3

And they said, if ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty ,.... As they perceived they had either resolved upon, or at least were inclined to do; and which they also thought advisable and therefore would have them by no means send it away as it was, but with some presents along with it; for the meaning of this word "empty" is not that they should take care that all that were in it when taken should go with it, and nothing be taken out of it, or it be stripped of its... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 6:2

The diviners - קסמים kosemim , from קסם kasam , to presage or prognosticate. See Deuteronomy 18:10 . In what their pretended art consisted, we know not. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 6:3

Send it not empty - As it appears ye have trespassed against him, send him an offering for this trespass. Why his hand is not removed - The sense is, If you send him a trespass-offering, and ye be cured, then ye shall know why his judgments have not been taken away from you previously to this offering. It is a common opinion, says Calmet, among all people, that although the Supreme Being needs nothing of his creatures, yet he requires that they should consecrate to him... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:1-2

EXPOSITION RESTORATION OF THE ARK TO THE ISRAELITES ( 1 Samuel 6:1-12 ). The ark of Jehovah was in the country —literally, the field, i.e. the territory— of the Philistines seven months, during which long time the people wherever the ark was deposited were afflicted in their persons with a most painful malady. The princes determined, therefore, to restore it to Israel, and convened the priests and the diviners, that they might advise them as to the manner in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:1-9

Seeking light. The facts are— 1 . The Philistines, oppressed by Providence, are uncertain what to do with the ark. 2 . They, consulting the priests and diviners, are advised to send the ark away with all due honours and safeguards in case it is sent at all. 3 . They are instructed how to carry out the advice, and warned not to refuse so to do. 4 . Having done their best, they are to learn the truth from the issue. The incidents recorded furnish an instance of men seeking... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 6:3-4

A trespass offering. The offering that was to be made when the offence had been unintentional (Le 5:15). Why his hand is not removed from you. A euphemism for "why your punishment continues to be so severe, without sign of abatement." If healing follows the gift, you will know that the malady was Jehovah's doing. The trespass offering was to consist of five golden emerods, and five golden mice, it being an old heathen custom, still constantly practised abroad, of presenting to the deity... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 6:2

The word for “priest” here is the same as that used for the priests of the true God; that for diviners is everywhere used of idolatrous or superstitious divining. Three modes of divination are described Ezekiel 21:21-22, by arrows, by teraphim, and by the entrails of beasts. (Compare Exodus 7:11; Daniel 2:2). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 6:3

Send it not empty - See the marginal references. The pagan idea of appeasing the gods with gifts, and the scriptural idea of expressing penitence, allegiance, or love to God, by gifts and offerings to His glory and to the comfort of our fellow worshippers, coincide in the practical result. read more

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