1 Samuel 6:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
2 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
for the priests
H3548
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
for the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְלַקֹּֽסְמִים֙
and the diviners
H7080
וְלַקֹּֽסְמִים֙
and the diviners
Strong's:
H7080
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
מַֽה
H4100
מַֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
What shall we do
H6213
נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
What shall we do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֽוֹדִעֻ֕נוּ
tell
H3045
הֽוֹדִעֻ֕נוּ
tell
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בַּמֶּ֖ה
H4100
בַּמֶּ֖ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Exodus 7:11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.Genesis 41:8And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.Daniel 2:2Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.
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 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.