1 Samuel 6:7

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.

Study Bible

Now, therefore, prepare one new cart
The Philistines, having captured the Ark of the Covenant, sought to return it to Israel after experiencing divine retribution. The use of a "new cart" signifies respect and reverence, ensuring that the cart was not previously used for mundane purposes. This reflects the biblical principle of offering God the best and the first, as seen in offerings and sacrifices throughout the Old Testament.

with two milk cows that have never been yoked
Milk cows, or cows that have recently calved, are typically not used for pulling carts, especially if they have never been yoked. This choice was intentional to demonstrate that the return of the Ark was an act of God, as these cows would naturally resist leaving their calves. The use of animals that have never been yoked also symbolizes purity and a new beginning, similar to the unblemished animals required for sacrifices.

Hitch the cows to the cart
This instruction was a test to see if the cows would act contrary to their nature. If they did, it would confirm that the calamities the Philistines experienced were indeed from the God of Israel. The act of hitching the cows to the cart is reminiscent of the yoke of Christ, which is easy and light, as mentioned in Matthew 11:29-30, symbolizing submission to divine will.

but take their calves away and pen them up
Separating the cows from their calves was a further test of divine intervention. Naturally, the cows would seek to return to their calves, but if they proceeded towards Israel, it would be a sign of God's hand at work. This separation can also be seen as a type of sacrifice, where something valuable is given up for a greater purpose, paralleling the sacrificial system and ultimately pointing to Christ's sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philistines
The Philistines were a group of people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. In this context, they had captured the Ark of the Covenant and were experiencing divine retribution.

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with the Israelites. The Philistines sought to return it to Israel due to the plagues they suffered.

3. Milk Cows
Two cows that had never been yoked were chosen to pull the cart carrying the Ark. This was significant because it was against their natural instincts to leave their calves and work together.

4. Beth Shemesh
The destination where the Ark was to be returned. It was a Levitical city in Israel, indicating a return to the rightful caretakers of the Ark.

5. Divine Test
The Philistines devised a test to see if the plagues were truly from the God of Israel. If the cows went straight to Beth Shemesh, it would confirm divine intervention.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
The passage demonstrates God's control over all creation, including animals, to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us of His ultimate authority in our lives.

Faith and Obedience
The cows' unnatural behavior in following the path to Beth Shemesh illustrates obedience to God's will, encouraging believers to trust and follow God's guidance even when it defies human logic.

Repentance and Acknowledgment
The Philistines' actions show a recognition of God's power and a desire to make amends. This serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and acknowledging God's authority.

Divine Testing
The test set by the Philistines reflects the human desire for confirmation of God's will. It encourages believers to seek God's guidance and confirmation through prayer and scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the behavior of the milk cows in 1 Samuel 6:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact your daily trust in God?

2. In what ways does the return of the Ark to Israel reflect the theme of repentance and restoration, and how can this be applied to personal spiritual renewal?

3. Compare the test of the milk cows with Gideon's fleece in Judges 6. What do these accounts teach us about seeking confirmation of God's will?

4. How does the use of animals that have never been yoked in sacred tasks (as seen in Numbers 19) relate to the concept of being set apart for God's purposes in your life?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a decision. How did you discern His will, and what role did faith and obedience play in your response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its sacredness and the presence of God among His people.

Numbers 19
Discusses the use of animals that have never been yoked for sacred purposes, highlighting the purity and set-apart nature required for divine tasks.

Judges 6
Gideon's test with the fleece parallels the Philistines' test with the cows, both seeking confirmation of divine will.