And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.
Study Helps
Interpretation
Seven months the Philistines were punished with the presence of the ark; so long it was a plague to them, because they would not send it home sooner. Sinners lengthen out their own miseries by refusing to part with their sins.
Read with
This thought runs through 1 Samuel 6:6-9.
Glossary
- Beth-shemesh Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Tel Bet Shemesh.