1 Samuel Chapter 6

1 Samuel 6 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 21 Bible verses from 1 Samuel and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months, 2. the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.” 3. 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.” 4. “What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. 5. Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land. 6. Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people on their way as they departed? 7. Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up. 8. Take the ark of the LORD, set it on the cart, and in a chest beside it put the gold objects you are sending Him as a guilt offering. Then send the ark on its way, 9. but keep watching it. If it goes up the road to its homeland, toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has brought on us this great disaster. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that punished us and that it happened by chance.” 10. So the men did as instructed. They took two milk cows, hitched them to the cart, and penned up their calves. 11. Then they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, along with the chest containing the gold rats and the images of the tumors. 12. And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh. 13. Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight. 14. The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. 15. And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD. 16. And when the five rulers of the Philistines saw this, they returned to Ekron that same day. 17. As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. 18. The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh. 19. But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter. 20. The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” 21. So they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.”

Jump to a verse

21 verses
1 Samuel 6:11 Samuel 6:21 Samuel 6:31 Samuel 6:41 Samuel 6:51 Samuel 6:61 Samuel 6:71 Samuel 6:81 Samuel 6:91 Samuel 6:101 Samuel 6:111 Samuel 6:121 Samuel 6:131 Samuel 6:141 Samuel 6:151 Samuel 6:161 Samuel 6:171 Samuel 6:181 Samuel 6:191 Samuel 6:201 Samuel 6:21

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 21 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 21 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 21 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 21 Bible verses from 1 Samuel, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 21 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Verse-by-verse Study
Get detailed AI breakdown
Pray this Chapter
Guided prayer session
Previous
Chapter 5
All Chapters
Next
Chapter 7

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

Need help starting your Bible study? Discover 10 powerful opening prayers for Bible study, including simple examples, group templates, and quick guides.

PrayerBible Study

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

Discover why an AI spiritual companion changes how you connect with Scripture. Move from basic keyword search to deep, personalized conversations.

AIBible Study

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

Anxiety can feel paralyzing. Here are 5 scripture-based prayers to help you trade panic for God's peace today.

AnxietyPrayer

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Anxiety & Peace

Comforting scriptures and prayers for worry, fear, and stress.

Sleep & Rest

Bedtime verses and calming prayers to quiet your mind.

Gratitude

Build a thankful heart with verses and simple practices.

Popular Chapters

Psalms 23
The Lord is My Shepherd
John 3
For God So Loved the World
Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
1 Corinthians 13
The Love Chapter
Philippians 4
Rejoice in the Lord
Proverbs 3
Trust in the Lord