1 Samuel 6:9
New International Version
but keep watching it. If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then the LORD has brought this great disaster on us. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us but that it happened to us by chance.”

New Living Translation
If they cross the border of our land and go to Beth-shemesh, we will know it was the LORD who brought this great disaster upon us. If they don’t, we will know it was not his hand that caused the plague. It came simply by chance.”

English Standard Version
and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, 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.

New King James Version
And watch: if it goes up the road to its own territory, to Beth Shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we shall know that it is not His hand that struck us—it happened to us by chance.”

New American Standard Bible
But watch: if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done this great evil to us. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.”

NASB 1995
“Watch, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.”

NASB 1977
“And watch, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we shall know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.”

Legacy Standard Bible
See, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that smote us; it happened to us by chance.”

Amplified Bible
But watch, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then [you will know that] He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; this disaster happened to us by chance.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then watch: If it goes up the road to its homeland toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has made this terrible trouble for us. However, if it doesn’t, we will know that it was not his hand that punished us—it was just something that happened to us by chance.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then watch: If it goes up the road to its homeland toward Beth-shemesh, it is the LORD who has made this terrible trouble for us. However, if it doesn’t, we will know that it was not His hand that punished us—it was just something that happened to us by chance.”

American Standard Version
And see; if it goeth up by the way of its own border 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.

Contemporary English Version
Watch to see if the chest goes on up the road to the Israelite town of Beth-Shemesh. If it goes back to its own country, you will know that it was the LORD who made us suffer so badly. But if the chest doesn't go back to its own country, then the LORD had nothing to do with the disease that hit us--it was simply bad luck.

English Revised Version
And see, if it goeth up by the way of its own border 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
but then watch where it goes. If it goes up the road to its own country toward Beth Shemesh, then this disaster is the LORD's doing. But if not, we'll know it wasn't his hand that struck us, but what happened to us was an accident."

Good News Translation
Then watch it go; if it goes toward the town of Beth Shemesh, this means that it is the God of the Israelites who has sent this terrible disaster on us. But if it doesn't, then we will know that he did not send the plague; it was only a matter of chance."

International Standard Version
Keep watching it. If it goes up along the road to its own territory to Beth-shemesh, it's the LORD who has done this great evil to us. But if it does not, then we will know that he wasn't pressuring us. It happened to us as a natural event."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
But keep an eye on it. If it should go up by the way of its own border to Beth Shemesh, then he has brought this great calamity on us. But if that is not the case, then we will know that it was not his hand that struck us; rather, it just happened to us by accident."

New Heart English Bible
And watch; if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth Shemesh, then he has done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it was a chance that happened to us."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Behold, if it goes up by the way of its own border to Beth Shemesh, then he has done us this great evil; but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us. It was a chance that happened to us.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you have seen if it goes up the way of its own border, to Beth-Shemesh—He has done this great evil to us; and if not, then we have known that His hand has not come against us; it has been an accident to us.”

Young's Literal Translation
and ye have seen, if the way of its own border it goeth up to Beth-Shemesh -- He hath done to us this great evil; and if not, then we have known that His hand hath not come against us; an accident it hath been to us.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And see if it shall go up the way of its bound to the House of the Sun, it did to us this great evil: and if not we shall know that not his hand struck upon us; it was a chance to us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you shall look: and if it go up by the way of his own coasts towards Bethsames, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, we shall know that it is not his hand hath touched us, but it hath happened by chance.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you shall watch. And if, indeed, it ascends by the way of his own parts, toward Beth-shemesh, then he has done this great evil to us. But if not, then we shall know that it is by no means his hand that has touched us, but instead it happened by chance.”

New American Bible
Then watch! If it goes up to Beth-shemesh along the route to the LORD’s territory, then it was the LORD who brought this great calamity upon us; if not, we will know that it was not the LORD’s hand, but a bad turn, that struck us.”

New Revised Standard Version
And watch; if it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And watch, for if it goes up by the way of the border which goes up to Beth-shemesh, then it is the LORD who has done us this great evil; but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that afflicted us, but it has happened to us by chance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And see, if it goes on the road of the border that goes up to Bayth Shemesh, LORD JEHOVAH has done this great evil to us, and if not, we will know that it was not his hand that has come to us, but it was chance to us”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And see, if it goeth up by the way of its own border 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And ye shall see, if it shall go the way of its coasts along by Baethsamys, he has brought upon us this great affliction; and if not, then shall we know that his hand has not touched us, but this is a chance which has happened to us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ark Returned to Israel
8Take 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, 9but 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.” 10So the men did as instructed. They took two milk cows, hitched them to the cart, and penned up their calves.…

Cross References
Exodus 8:19
“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Judges 6:37-40
then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. / Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” ...

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

2 Kings 1:2-3
Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” / But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’

Isaiah 7:11-14
“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ...

Matthew 12:38-39
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

Luke 11:29-30
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

John 6:30-31
So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? / Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Acts 5:38-39
So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

1 Corinthians 1:22
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

Hebrews 2:4
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Exodus 4:1-5
Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” / And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. / “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. ...

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.


Treasury of Scripture

And see, if it goes up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he has 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.

Beth-shemesh

Joshua 15:10
And 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 Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

Joshua 21:16
And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

he.

Amos 3:6
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

we shall

1 Samuel 6:3
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.

not his hand

Isaiah 26:11
LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

a chance

2 Samuel 1:6
And 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.

2 Samuel 1:6
And 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.

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I 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.

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Beth Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Border Chance Coast Disaster Evil Hand Harm Israel Shemesh Smote Struck Territory Watch Watching Way Work Working
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Beth Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Border Chance Coast Disaster Evil Hand Harm Israel Shemesh Smote Struck Territory Watch Watching Way Work Working
1 Samuel 6
1. After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark
10. They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth Shemesh
19. The people are smitten for looking into the ark
21. They send to them of Kiriath Jearim to fetch it














Then watch
The Hebrew word for "watch" is "ra'ah," which means to see, look at, or inspect. In this context, the Philistines are instructed to observe carefully the outcome of their test. This act of watching is not passive but involves active discernment and judgment. It reflects a moment of decision-making where human observation is used to discern divine will. Theologically, it underscores the importance of vigilance and attentiveness in understanding God's actions in our lives.

if it goes up by the way of its own territory
The phrase "goes up" is derived from the Hebrew "alah," which means to ascend or go up. The direction towards "its own territory" implies a return to the land of Israel, specifically to Beth-shemesh. This movement is significant as it symbolizes a return to the rightful place of the Ark, representing God's presence. Historically, Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city, indicating a return to spiritual order and divine favor. Theologically, it suggests that God's presence naturally gravitates towards His chosen people and places.

to Beth-shemesh
Beth-shemesh, meaning "house of the sun," was a city in the territory of Judah. Archaeologically, it has been identified with the modern site of Tell er-Rumeileh. Its mention here is significant as it was a priestly city, indicating a place where the Ark would be received with reverence and proper care. Theologically, Beth-shemesh represents a place of light and revelation, where God's presence is acknowledged and honored.

then He has done us this great evil
The "He" refers to the God of Israel, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. The term "great evil" in Hebrew is "ra'ah gedolah," indicating a significant calamity or disaster. This acknowledgment by the Philistines reflects their recognition of the divine hand in their suffering. Theologically, it highlights the concept of divine retribution and the acknowledgment of God's justice, even by those outside the covenant community.

But if not, then we will know
This phrase introduces a conditional understanding of the situation. The Philistines are seeking clarity and certainty regarding the source of their affliction. The use of "know" (Hebrew "yada") implies a deep, experiential understanding. Theologically, it reflects the human desire for certainty in discerning God's will and actions, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth and understanding in spiritual matters.

that it was not His hand that struck us
The "hand" of God is a common biblical metaphor for His power and action. The Philistines are considering the possibility that their suffering might not be a direct act of divine intervention. This reflects a broader theological theme of discerning God's involvement in the events of the world. It challenges believers to consider the nature of divine providence and the distinction between God's direct actions and natural occurrences.

it happened to us by chance
The concept of "chance" (Hebrew "miqreh") suggests randomness or coincidence. This reflects a worldview that contrasts with the biblical understanding of a sovereign God who orchestrates events according to His purpose. Theologically, this phrase challenges believers to consider the role of divine providence versus randomness in the unfolding of events. It invites reflection on the belief that nothing happens outside of God's sovereign will and purpose.

(9) It was a chance that happened to us.--The priests and diviners were not certain whether the plague had been sent by the offended God of Israel or had visited Philistia in the ordinary course of nature. This strange experiment would satisfy the minds of the Philistine people. If the cows, contrary to their expectation, kept on the road to Bethshemesh, this would be a sign that they were driven and guided by a Divine power, and it would be clear to all that the Ark was a dangerous possession, and that they were well rid of it. They would be assured then that the scourge they were suffering from came from the angry Israelite Deity. If, on the other hand, the animals, left to themselves, returned to their own stalls, which, evidently, the diviners expected would be the case--then the Philistines might safely retain the Ark, being confident that their late sufferings were simply the results of natural causes. It will be remembered (1Samuel 6:7) that these were milch cows, whose calves were shut up in the stall. The diviners felt quite sure that the cows, left to their own instincts, would, unless driven by some Divine power, come back to their young ones in the stall. What the priests and diviners advised was done, and the next two verses (10 and 11) relate how the restoration of the Ark was carried out in the way prescribed above.

Verse 9. - His own coast, or "border." The ark throughout this verse is spoken of as if it were itself a deity. Beth-shemesh - i.e. "the house of the sun," also called Irshemesh, "city of the sun" (Joshua 19:41) - had evidently been in the time of the Canaanites the seat of this popular idolatry. It was now a city of the priests, situated in the tribe of Judah, on its northeastern border, next the tribe of Dan, and was the nearest Israelite town to Ekron. If, then, the kine, albeit unused to the yoke, left their calves behind, and drew the cart by the most direct route unto the land of Judah, they would give the required proof that the Philistines were smitten by the hand of Jehovah, and that it was no chance that had happened unto them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
but keep watching it.
וּרְאִיתֶ֗ם (ū·rə·’î·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it goes up
יַֽעֲלֶה֙ (ya·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

the road
דֶּ֨רֶךְ (de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to its homeland,
גְּבוּל֤וֹ (gə·ḇū·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

toward Beth-shemesh,
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ (še·meš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1053: Beth-shemesh -- 'sun temple', three places in Palestine, also a place in Egypt

it is the LORD
ה֚וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

who has brought
עָ֣שָׂה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

on us
לָ֔נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

this
הַזֹּ֑את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

great
הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה (hag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

disaster.
הָרָעָ֥ה (hā·rā·‘āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it does not,
לֹ֗א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

then we will know
וְיָדַ֙עְנוּ֙ (wə·yā·ḏa‘·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it was not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

His hand
יָדוֹ֙ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

that punished
נָ֣גְעָה (nā·ḡə·‘āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

us
בָּ֔נוּ (bā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

and that it
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

happened
הָ֥יָה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

by chance.”
מִקְרֶ֥ה (miq·reh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4745: Something met with, an accident, fortune


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OT History: 1 Samuel 6:9 Behold (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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