6:1-2 The Philistines have had the ark of God for almost a year and they are eager to be rid of it. They believe that its presence, rather than their corrupt lifestyle, is causing them strife and destruction.
6:3 The Philistine priests decide they they cannot get rid of the ark without first making an offering to God. Although unwilling to follow Him, they have finally acknowledged His authority.
6:4-5 They contemplate the trespass offering they will give. Indeed they have trespassed against God by stealing the ark and expecting it to have power to support their corrupt endeavors. They decide to give an offering for each offending military lord.
6:6 The Philistines remember God's history with His enemies. The Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts and until they stopped opposing Him, their plagues persisted.
6:7-10 The Philistines decide to place the art on a cart pulled by nursing cows. They tried to manipulate the situation. If the cows pulled the cart toward the Philistines (but actually toward their nursing calves) the Philistines felt they were innocent of God's wrath. If, however, the cows headed in the other direction - Beth Shemesh - then they had done an evil against God.
6:11-12 The cows pulling the card head straight away from the Philistines (and their calves). With clear direction, the cows profess to the Philistines that their actions are corrupt and against nature.
6:13 The people of Beth Shemesh are busy harvesting wheat in their valley when they look up to see the calves carrying the ark of God. Immediately they rejoice at the sight.
6:14-15 They offer the cows as sacrifice to God (burned offerings have since been made obsolete, Hosea 6:6). Yet instead of respecting the symbol of the ark, they place the gold from the chest on a platform. Their morals are still incongruous to God's will.
6:16 The Philistines observe the Ark's return and then leave for their own region.
6:17-19 Because of the continued corruption of the Levites, God continues His discipline, not allowing the corrupt to live and thrive. This once again teaches that possession of idols does not render one holy or righteous.
6:20-21 The people of Beth Shemesh, still disconnected with God, do not understand their flaw. They are not connecting their corrupt actions with God's fury. Rather than trying to be more righteous, they lament their seeming inability to please God.
Rather than pitiful, we should be dutiful. We are responsible for the nature of our character. God has not set impossible standards. He has asked decency of us and His reward far exceeds the effort it takes to simply be a decent human. Practice patience and compassion in every moment of interaction, thought, action, and decision.
Rather than pitiful, we should be dutiful. We are responsible for the nature of our character. God has not set impossible standards. He has asked decency of us and His reward far exceeds the effort it takes to simply be a decent human. Practice patience and compassion in every moment of interaction, thought, action, and decision.
