King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 6:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 6:2 in the King James Version says “And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wh...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.”

1 Samuel 6:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.

2

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

3

And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

4

Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods , and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. you: Heb. them

Read 1 Samuel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

The Ark narrative reveals that God's presence cannot be manipulated through religious symbols or ritualistic practices. Israel's superstitious use of the Ark as a magical talisman demonstrated fundamental misunderstanding of covenant relationship. The Ark's capture and Israel's defeat prove that external religious forms without heart transformation provide no protection from judgment. Yet even in captivity, the Ark demonstrates Yahweh's supremacy—Dagon falls, plagues strike, and the Philistines recognize a power they cannot control or domesticate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines, part of the 'Sea Peoples' who settled the coastal plain around 1200 BCE, possessed superior iron technology and organized military forces. Their pentapolis (five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath) controlled coastal trade routes and threatened Israelite settlements in the hill country. The Philistine threat created the political pressure that would eventually lead to Israel's demand for centralized monarchy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ1 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים2 of 13

“And the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים3 of 13

“for the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְלַקֹּֽסְמִים֙4 of 13

“and the diviners”

H7080

properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַֽה6 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה7 of 13

“What shall we do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לַֽאֲר֣וֹן8 of 13

“to the ark”

H727

a box

יְהוָ֑ה9 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֽוֹדִעֻ֕נוּ10 of 13

“tell”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בַּמֶּ֖ה11 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נְשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ12 of 13

“us wherewith we shall send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“it to his place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 6:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 7:11Genesis 41:8Daniel 5:7Daniel 2:2Isaiah 2:6Micah 6:6-9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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