1 Samuel 6:13
New International Version
Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight.

New Living Translation
The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they saw the Ark, they were overjoyed!

English Standard Version
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.

Berean Standard Bible
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.

King James Bible
And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

New King James Version
Now the people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

New American Standard Bible
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it.

NASB 1995
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.

NASB 1977
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.

Amplified Bible
Now the men of Beth-shemesh were gathering their wheat harvest in the valley, and they looked up and saw the ark and rejoiced to see it.

Christian Standard Bible
The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed to see it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed to see it.

American Standard Version
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

Contemporary English Version
The people of Beth-Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the chest, they were so happy that they stopped working and started celebrating.

English Revised Version
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed.

Good News Translation
The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping wheat in the valley, when suddenly they looked up and saw the Covenant Box. They were overjoyed at the sight.

International Standard Version
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering their wheat harvest in the valley. They looked up, saw the Ark, and rejoiced to see it.

Majority Standard Bible
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.

NET Bible
Now the residents of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were pleased at the sight.

New Heart English Bible
And those of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to meet it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

World English Bible
The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Beth-Shemeshites are reaping their wheat-harvest in the valley, and they lift up their eyes, and see the Ark, and rejoice to see [it].

Young's Literal Translation
And the Beth-Shemeshites are reaping their wheat-harvest in the valley, and they lift up their eyes, and see the ark, and rejoice to see it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the House of the Sun reaping the harvest of wheat in the valley: and they will lift up their eyes and see the ark, and they will rejoice to see.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the Bethsamites were reaping wheat in the valley: and lifting up their eyes they saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the Beth-shemeshites were harvesting wheat in the valley. And lifting up their eyes, they saw the ark, and they were glad when they had seen it.

New American Bible
The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting the wheat in the valley. They looked up and rejoiced when they saw the ark.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they went with rejoicing to meet it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men of the town of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced when they saw it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And men of the city of Bayth Shemesh were reaping the harvest of wheat in the low lying country, and they lifted up their eyes and they saw the Ark, and they rejoiced when they saw it
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men of Baethsamys were reaping the wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark of the Lord, and rejoiced to meet it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ark Returned to Israel
12And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh. 13 Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight. 14The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 6:12-15
Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. / When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. / And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, ...

Joshua 3:14-17
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ...

1 Chronicles 15:25-28
So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. / And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. / Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. ...

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

1 Chronicles 13:8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

Exodus 15:20-21
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”

Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! / Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 47:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.

Psalm 66:1-2
For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! / Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.

Psalm 100:1-2
A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. / Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.

Isaiah 12:5-6
Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. / Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”

Luke 19:37-38
And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: / “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Matthew 21:8-9
A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. / The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

John 12:12-13
The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Acts 2:46-47
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


Treasury of Scripture

And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

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Ark Beth Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Cutting Eyes Harvest Harvesting Joy Lifted Raised Reaping Rejoice Rejoiced Shemesh Sight Valley Wheat Wheat-Harvest
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Ark Beth Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Cutting Eyes Harvest Harvesting Joy Lifted Raised Reaping Rejoice Rejoiced Shemesh Sight Valley Wheat Wheat-Harvest
1 Samuel 6
1. After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark
10. They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth Shemesh
19. The people are smitten for looking into the ark
21. They send to them of Kiriath Jearim to fetch it














Now the people of Beth-shemesh
Beth-shemesh, meaning "house of the sun" in Hebrew, was a Levitical city within the territory of Judah. Its name suggests a place of light and revelation, fitting for the return of the Ark of the Covenant. Historically, Beth-shemesh was strategically located near the border of Philistine territory, making it a significant site for the events that unfold. The people of this city were likely familiar with the Ark's significance, given their Levitical heritage, which adds depth to their reaction upon seeing it.

were harvesting wheat in the valley
The timing of the Ark's return coincides with the wheat harvest, a period of great agricultural importance in ancient Israel. Harvest time was a season of hard work but also of joy and thanksgiving for God's provision. The valley setting suggests a fertile area, conducive to abundant crops, symbolizing God's blessing. This context of harvest underscores the theme of divine providence and the cyclical nature of God's faithfulness to His people.

and when they looked up and saw the ark
The act of looking up signifies a moment of realization and recognition. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel, was a powerful symbol. Its return after being captured by the Philistines would have been a profound moment for the people of Beth-shemesh. This phrase captures the transition from mundane labor to spiritual awakening, as their eyes are lifted from their work to behold a sacred sight.

they rejoiced at the sight
Rejoicing here is an expression of deep spiritual and communal joy. The return of the Ark signifies not only the restoration of a sacred object but also the renewal of God's favor and presence among His people. In the Hebrew context, joy is often associated with worship and celebration, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes. This rejoicing is a spontaneous response to the tangible reminder of God's covenant and faithfulness, inspiring a renewed commitment to Him.

(13) And they of Beth-shemesh.--Beth-shemesh, or "House of the Sun," nearly equivalent to Heliopolis, "City of the Sun," was a priestly city. It would thus have seemed that this was a fitting home for the Ark of the Covenant to rest in for a time. Shiloh, the old sanctuary, was, we know, now desolate and ruined; but the priests and Levites, from what follows, evidently had forfeited their old position as guides and teachers of the people. Beth-shemesh was no fit permanent dwelling for the Ark of God. The story of the priestly life in the once famous Shiloh during the latter years of Eli indicated how utterly incapable the Levitical families were to influence and guide the people. The subsequent conduct of priestly Beth-shemesh on this memorable occasion, therefore, is not to be wondered at; at first they seem to have rejoiced at the sight of their lost sacred treasure, but an act of careless irreverence called down a swift and unexpected punishment.

Verse 13. And they of Beth-shemesh. More exactly, "And Beth-shemesh was reaping its wheat harvest," the whole population being in the fields. Though a priestly city, we find in ver. 15 the Levites distinguished from the ordinary inhabitants, as though they and the priests formed only the ruling class. In the valley. Now called the Wady Surar, branching off into another valley on the south. Robinson ('Later Bibl. Res.,' 153) speaks of the site of Beth-shemesh as a very noble one, being "a low plateau at the junction of two fine plains." The wheat harvest takes place in Palestine in May, and consequently the disastrous battle of Eben-ezer must have been fought in the previous October.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now [the people of] Beth-shemesh
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ (še·meš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1053: Beth-shemesh -- 'sun temple', three places in Palestine, also a place in Egypt

were harvesting
קֹצְרִ֥ים (qō·ṣə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7114: To dock off, curtail, to harvest

wheat
חִטִּ֖ים (ḥiṭ·ṭîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2406: Wheat

in the valley,
בָּעֵ֑מֶק (bā·‘ê·meq)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6010: A vale

and when they looked up
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ (way·yiś·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

and saw
וַיִּרְאוּ֙ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the ark,
הָ֣אָר֔וֹן (hā·’ā·rō·wn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

they were overjoyed
וַֽיִּשְׂמְח֖וּ (way·yiś·mə·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

at the sight.
לִרְאֽוֹת׃ (lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see


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OT History: 1 Samuel 6:13 They of Beth Shemesh were reaping their (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 6:12
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