1 Samuel 6:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
And they sent
H7971
וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ֙
And they sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֔ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֥י
to the inhabitants
H3427
יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֥י
to the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יְעָרִ֖ים
of Kirjathjearim
H7157
יְעָרִ֖ים
of Kirjathjearim
Strong's:
H7157
Word #:
6 of 16
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
הֵשִׁ֤בוּ
have brought again
H7725
הֵשִׁ֤בוּ
have brought again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
The Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
The Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
9 of 16
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רְד֕וּ
come ye down
H3381
רְד֕וּ
come ye down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
13 of 16
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
הַֽעֲל֥וּ
and fetch it up
H5927
הַֽעֲל֥וּ
and fetch it up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
14 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Joshua 18:14And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjath-baal, which is Kirjath-jearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.Joshua 9:17And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even human fear and failure to accomplish His sovereign purposes?
- What does Beth-shemesh's desire to transfer the Ark rather than be transformed by its presence reveal about human nature?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.