1 Samuel 6:3

The Ark Returned to Israel · 1 Samuel 6:1–21
Read 1 Samuel 6

Translations

Modern
They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”
Traditional
And 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.
Literal
And they said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty. But you shall by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why His hand has not turned aside from you.”
Latin
Si remittitis arcam Dei Israël, nolite dimittere eam vacuam, sed quod debetis, reddite ei pro peccato, et tunc curabimini: et scietis quare non recedat manus ejus a vobis.

Original

Hebrew
English
They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”

Notes

The Philistines probably did not know about Israelite worship rules. A Philistine guilt offering was likely a payment to their god. It was to avoid his anger. This differs from the idea of atonement in Leviticus 16.

Theme notes and profiles

The Philistines The Ark of the Covenant

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Ashdod, Ashdodite, Ashdothite Ashkelon Philistia, Philistines Plague Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Tumor

Topics

Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Manner of Its Restoration Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Kirjath-Jearim: The Philistines Bring the Ark of the Covenant To Miracles: Catalogue of The Plague of Hemorrhoids on the Philistines Offerings: Trespass: Offered by Idolaters The Philistines: Sent Back the Ark and Were Healed