1 Samuel 6:7
Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
וַֽעֲשׂ֜וּ
Now therefore make
H6213
וַֽעֲשׂ֜וּ
Now therefore make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָלָ֥ה
on which there hath come
H5927
עָלָ֥ה
on which there hath come
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
12 of 22
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֹ֑ל
no yoke
H5923
עֹ֑ל
no yoke
Strong's:
H5923
Word #:
14 of 22
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
וַֽאֲסַרְתֶּ֤ם
and tie
H631
וַֽאֲסַרְתֶּ֤ם
and tie
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
15 of 22
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַהֲשֵֽׁיבֹתֶ֧ם
and bring
H7725
וַהֲשֵֽׁיבֹתֶ֧ם
and bring
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
19 of 22
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
בְּנֵיהֶ֛ם
their calves
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֛ם
their calves
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
20 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Numbers 19:2This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:2 Samuel 6:3And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
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
Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
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.