1 Samuel 6:10
And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֤וּ
did so
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֤וּ
did so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
H376
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כֵּ֔ן
H3651
כֵּ֔ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיִּקְח֗וּ
and took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֗וּ
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וַיַּֽאַסְר֖וּם
and tied
H631
וַיַּֽאַסְר֖וּם
and tied
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
8 of 13
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
בָּֽעֲגָלָ֑ה
them to the cart
H5699
בָּֽעֲגָלָ֑ה
them to the cart
Strong's:
H5699
Word #:
9 of 13
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
their calves
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
their calves
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:
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.