King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 6:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 6:21 in the King James Version says “And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.

1 Samuel 6:21 · KJV


Context

19

And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.

20

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

21

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.

Beth-shemesh's solution was to transfer the Ark elsewhere. Kirjath-jearim ('city of forests'), located about ten miles northeast in the hill country, would become the Ark's home for approximately two decades. The message conspicuously omits mention of the judgment, focusing only on the Ark's return from Philistia. Their invitation 'come down and fetch it up' reverses the language - Kirjath-jearim was higher in elevation, so they would 'come down' to get it but 'bring it up' to their city. The phrase reveals Beth-shemesh's eagerness to be rid of their dangerous charge. Significantly, they do not consult prophets or priests about proper procedure; they simply want the problem removed. Yet God in His sovereignty uses even this fearful reaction to position the Ark where it will remain until David brings it to Jerusalem.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Kirjath-jearim (also called Kiriath-baal, Joshua 15:60) sat on the border between Judah and Benjamin. Its previous Canaanite associations with Baal worship make its selection as the Ark's resting place remarkable - the true God would dwell where false gods once reigned. The Ark remained there until 2 Samuel 6.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use even human fear and failure to accomplish His sovereign purposes?
  2. What does Beth-shemesh's desire to transfer the Ark rather than be transformed by its presence reveal about human nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙1 of 16

And they sent

H7971

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

מַלְאָכִ֔ים2 of 16

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֥י4 of 16

to the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

קִרְיַת5 of 16
H0
יְעָרִ֖ים6 of 16

of Kirjathjearim

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵשִׁ֤בוּ8 of 16

have brought again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

פְלִשְׁתִּים֙9 of 16

The Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֣וֹן11 of 16

the ark

H727

a box

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

רְד֕וּ13 of 16

come ye down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַֽעֲל֥וּ14 of 16

and fetch it up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֹת֖וֹ15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃16 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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