1 Samuel 6:10-15

Restored blessings.

The facts are—

1 . The kine bearing the ark, contrary to their instincts, go away from their home to Beth-shemesh.

2 . The men of Beth-shemesh, seeing the returning ark, leave their occupations, and express their joy in sacrificial worship.

3 . The Levites, exceeding their privileges, open the ark and examine its sacred contents.

4 . The representatives of the Philistines observe the issue of their experiment and return. The rapid succession of incidents connected with the restoration of the ark illustrates several important truths.

I. The SUPREMACY OF GOD OVER HIS CREATURES . As a human device, the means for ascertaining the will of the God of Israel were excellent; and it is a mark of condescension that God should thus use imperfect men to effect his purpose. The men argued that he who commands disease and the ravages of vermin can, if disposed, effect his will through the agency of other creatures. God is not indisposed to exert his great power, should moral cause exist, even through the actions of men who act up to the measure of light attained to. The departure of the kine from their home and young to a strange land was a remarkable instance of the control of God over the strongest instincts. The seeming unnaturalness of the event is owing to our one-sided views of God's purposes and methods. It was contrary to their nature, as ordinarily exercised, to go from home. It was not contrary to the nature of things for them to do the will of their Maker.

1 . It is a reality in every case of animal life that God's will is done. All creatures are " HIS ." He formed their powers and gave them tendencies. Therefore every creature, in following its ordinary course, is actually carrying out a Divine intent. In this the kine were one with all cattle. Animals exist not for themselves. The end of their existence is moral and spiritual. The fabric of the universe and the lower creatures are for the development of the spiritual and eternal. In the case of the kine a great spiritual end was subserved—the restoration of the ark and consequent development of the "kingdom which cannot be moved." The original appointment of instinct and the specific control of it are acts identical in kind—supernatural.

2 . There are other instances of special control. Balaam's ass was used to reprove the prophet. The lions were restrained from touching Daniel. In either case, as here, the event was connected with a manifest spiritual purpose; and who shall say that he who governs men and calms the sea shall not be free to control the movements of kine, as truly as when on his way to Jerusalem he guided the ass on which he sat?

3 . It is a means of teaching important truth. This subordination of the most powerful impulses to the high purposes of God sets forth the truth that the most powerful natural attachments must yield to the requirements of the kingdom of God; as well perhaps as that, in coming years, the inferior creatures will subserve the advance of Christ's kingdom as certainly as that they will share in its blessings ( Isaiah 11:6 , Isaiah 11:7 ; Matthew 13:32 ).

II. The JOY OF RESTORED BLESSINGS . The men of Beth-shemesh were the first honoured with a sight of the ark, and with the instinct of the true Israelite they appreciated the boon.

1 . The blessing now received was very great. The significance of the ark to Israel cannot be fully expressed. Its return from captivity meant to the people a reinstatement in the favour of God. Their cry of anguish and the intercession of Samuel had been heard. Likewise the Church, after seasons of chastisement and loss of privilege, knows the greatness of the boon when God makes "the place of his feet glorious," and comforts Zion with the light of his countenance.

2 . The restoration was unexpected. Both as to the fact and the means there was no anticipation of what occurred. Men were called from common toils to share in a great spiritual joy. Thus does God in his mercy break in on the cares and sorrows of common life with blessings in excess of our hopes. Israel was not able to devise means of delivery from Egypt, and surprise filled their minds when they saw the salvation of God. Christ's appearance after death even took away the power of utterance ( Luke 24:36-41 ). "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee."

3 . The expression of joy was natural. It was most proper for a nature toned by recent chastisement to rush from the occupations of life to bid welcome to the long wept for ark of God. The recovery of property, the return of a lost son, nothing, could stir such deep feelings as the sign of the restored favour of Jehovah. The sacrifice of the kine was a form of penitence, homage, and gratitude culminating in highest joy. There is no joy like that of God's assured .presence and favour. It is a gladness beyond that of the time when corn and wine increase. "Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing."

III. UNLAWFUL CURIOSITY . A debased condition is not recovered from suddenly. Despite the repentance for past sin and gratitude for return of God's favour, the low tone of life consequent on former practices remained. As a consequence of the singular combination of good and bad qualities at this hopeful turn in affairs, the joy of the day was marred by a wicked, profane curiosity. This was the more culpable because the inhabitants were chiefly Levites, who must have been acquainted with the very strict prohibition to manifest any rude curiosity in reference to the sacred symbols ( Exodus 3:5 ; Exodus 19:21 ; Numbers 4:20 ).

1 . Curiosity, though useful in the acquisition of knowledge, is sometimes wicked.

2 . The wickedness of such curiosity is evident; because of—

IV. AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY . The five lords of the Philistines witnessed the restoration of the ark and the joy of the men of Beth-shemesh, and they became wiser men. They carried back the information that Jehovah was indeed the Destroyer of Dagon, the Controller of disease, the Lord of the brute creation, and unchanged Friend of Israel. Thus in defeat there was a triumph. Thus have we an indication of what will yet be. The foes of the Church of Christ will learn that he does hold the mastery over all. Ebbs there may be in the prosperity of the Church, but the power will reassert itself, and men will marvel both at the means and the fact. A great discovery will be made to all creatures when, after the conflict of ages with the world power, the true Israel of God shall rejoice in the perfect and everlasting presence of their Lord.