1 Samuel 6:3

They replied, "If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you."

Study Bible

They replied,
This phrase indicates a response from the Philistine priests and diviners to the rulers of the Philistines. The Philistines were seeking guidance on how to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after it had brought plagues upon them. This reflects the ancient practice of consulting religious leaders for divine insight.

“If you return the ark of the God of Israel,
The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its capture by the Philistines was a significant event, and its return was crucial for Israel. The Philistines recognized the power associated with the Ark, acknowledging it as belonging to the God of Israel, which shows their awareness of its religious significance.

do not send it away empty,
This instruction reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of appeasing deities with offerings. Sending the Ark back with gifts was an attempt to placate the God of Israel, acknowledging their understanding of divine retribution and the need for atonement.

but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering.
A guilt offering was a specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical law, meant to atone for unintentional sins and to make restitution. The Philistines' decision to include a guilt offering indicates their recognition of having offended the God of Israel and their desire to make amends, even though they were not under the Mosaic Law.

Then you will be healed,
The Philistines were suffering from plagues, which they attributed to the presence of the Ark. The promise of healing upon returning the Ark with a guilt offering suggests a belief in the direct intervention of the divine in human affairs, a common belief in the ancient world.

and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”
The phrase "His hand" refers to God's power and judgment. The Philistines were experiencing God's wrath, and the return of the Ark with a guilt offering was seen as a way to gain insight into their suffering and to potentially end it. This reflects the biblical theme of understanding divine actions through repentance and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philistines
A group of people who captured the Ark of the Covenant and experienced divine retribution as a result.

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest representing God's presence, captured by the Philistines and causing them great distress.

3. Guilt Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for wrongdoing, suggested by the Philistine priests and diviners to appease the God of Israel.

4. Priests and Diviners
Philistine religious leaders who advised on how to return the Ark to Israel.

5. God of Israel
The one true God, whose power and holiness were demonstrated through the events surrounding the Ark.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Holiness
The Philistines' experience with the Ark underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and respect.

The Importance of Repentance
The suggestion to send a guilt offering reflects a recognition of wrongdoing and the need for repentance, a principle applicable to all who seek reconciliation with God.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The events demonstrate God's control over all nations, not just Israel, and His ability to reveal His power and will to those who do not know Him.

The Role of Sacrifice in Atonement
The concept of a guilt offering points to the broader biblical theme of sacrifice as a means of atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Philistines sought advice from their religious leaders, reminding believers of the importance of seeking godly counsel and wisdom in times of uncertainty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Philistines' experience with the Ark of the Covenant illustrate the concept of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways does the requirement of a guilt offering in 1 Samuel 6:3 connect to the broader biblical theme of repentance and atonement?

3. How can the Philistines' response to their afflictions inform our understanding of seeking reconciliation with God today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' decision to consult their religious leaders, and how can we apply these lessons in seeking godly counsel?

5. How does the account of the Ark's return to Israel demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our faith and trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 5:14-19
Discusses the concept of guilt offerings in the Law of Moses, providing context for the Philistines' suggestion.

Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction and significance of the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its role as the dwelling place of God's presence.

1 Samuel 5
Details the plagues and afflictions that befell the Philistines while the Ark was in their possession, setting the stage for their decision to return it.