1 Samuel 6:9
And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh, 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.
Original Language Analysis
וּרְאִיתֶ֗ם
And see
H7200
וּרְאִיתֶ֗ם
And see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 26
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
דֶּ֨רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
דֶּ֨רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 26
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
גְּבוּל֤וֹ
of his own coast
H1366
גְּבוּל֤וֹ
of his own coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יַֽעֲלֶה֙
if it goeth up
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶה֙
if it goeth up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 26
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 26
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָ֣שָׂה
then he hath done
H6213
עָ֣שָׂה
then he hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה
us this great
H1419
הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה
us this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
13 of 26
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
15 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֗א
H3808
לֹ֗א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְיָדַ֙עְנוּ֙
but if not then we shall know
H3045
וְיָדַ֙עְנוּ֙
but if not then we shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
17 of 26
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדוֹ֙
that it is not his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
that it is not his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
20 of 26
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
נָ֣גְעָה
that smote
H5060
נָ֣גְעָה
that smote
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
21 of 26
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
מִקְרֶ֥ה
us it was a chance
H4745
מִקְרֶ֥ה
us it was a chance
Strong's:
H4745
Word #:
23 of 26
something met with, i.e., an accident or fortune
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
24 of 26
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Joshua 15:10And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Beth-shemesh, and passed on to Timnah:Ecclesiastes 9:11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.Luke 10:31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.Joshua 21:16And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.1 Samuel 6:3And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.2 Samuel 1:6And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
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 see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh, 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.
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.