1 Samuel 6:13
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
Original Language Analysis
קֹֽצְרִ֥ים
were reaping
H7114
קֹֽצְרִ֥ים
were reaping
Strong's:
H7114
Word #:
3 of 14
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
and they lifted up
H5375
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
and they lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
7 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵֽינֵיהֶ֗ם
their eyes
H5869
עֵֽינֵיהֶ֗ם
their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 14
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לִרְאֽוֹת׃
and saw
H7200
לִרְאֽוֹת׃
and saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Beth-shemesh (modern Tell er-Rumeileh) sat on the northern border of Judah, approximately fifteen miles west of Jerusalem. As a Levitical city assigned to the Kohathites (Joshua 21:16), it should have had proper understanding of Ark protocols. The wheat harvest occurred in late May to early June, dating this event to approximately that season.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the contrast between agricultural abundance and spiritual return teach about God's comprehensive blessing?
- How might initial joy at encountering sacred things give way to improper familiarity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
The wheat harvest setting provides both temporal marker and theological significance. The Hebrew verb samach (rejoiced) describes their spontaneous delight at seeing the Ark return. Beth-shemesh, meaning 'house of the sun,' was a Levitical city in Judah's territory, making it an appropriate first stop for the Ark's return. The agricultural scene of harvest contrasts with the spiritual barrenness Israel had experienced during the Ark's absence. Just as the wheat harvest represented God's material provision, the Ark's return signified the restoration of His covenantal presence. The workers' immediate recognition of the Ark demonstrates that despite Israel's spiritual decline, some retained awareness of sacred things. Their joy, however, would soon prove premature, as proximity to the holy without proper reverence brings judgment rather than blessing.