And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 6:15KJV
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1 Samuel 6:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 6:15 mean?

1 Samuel 6:15 describes how the Levites carefully took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing gold offerings from the cart and placed them on a large stone, while the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD that same day. This verse shows the respectful handling of the ark and the people's immediate response in worship.

The setting is after the ark of the LORD (the sacred chest representing God’s presence) had been returned by the Philistines to Israel. The Levites, who were set apart for duties related to the tabernacle, handled the ark as required by Israelite law. The people of Bethshemesh responded to the return of the ark with sacrifices, marking the occasion as a significant and joyful event for the community.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 6:15

  • לְוִיִּם (Leviyim, "Levites"): This word refers to the tribe specifically assigned to care for the tabernacle and its holy objects. Their involvement here underlines the importance of proper handling of sacred items.
  • אֲרוֹן (aron, "ark"): This is the same word used throughout the Old Testament for the ark of the covenant, emphasizing its central role in Israel’s worship and identity.
  • תֵּבָה (teivah, "coffer"): This refers to the chest that held the gold offerings sent by the Philistines. Its mention distinguishes it from the ark itself, showing careful attention to what was considered holy versus what was simply an offering.
  • אֶבֶן (even, "stone"): The "great stone" served as a temporary resting place for the ark and the coffer, highlighting the reverence and care taken in handling these objects.

Why 1 Samuel 6:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that only the Levites were permitted to handle the ark, reflecting obedience to God’s instructions and the seriousness of sacred duties.
  • The immediate offering of sacrifices by the men of Bethshemesh shows the community’s gratitude and recognition of God’s intervention in returning the ark.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of the ark’s journey, showing a transition from foreign captivity back to proper Israelite worship and order.

Where else these words appear

“coffer” Hebrew H712 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Samuel 6:8 And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.
  • 1 Samuel 6:11 And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

“Bethshemesh” Hebrew H1053 · used in 19 verses

  • 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:
  • 1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

“sacrificed” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.