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.

1 SAMUEL 6:9KJV
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1 Samuel 6:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 6:9 mean?

1 Samuel 6:9 describes how the Philistines planned a test to see if the plagues they suffered were truly caused by the God of Israel. They decided that if the ark traveled directly to Bethshemesh, it would prove God’s hand was behind their troubles; if not, they would consider the disasters a coincidence.

The Philistine leaders are speaking among themselves as they prepare to return the ark of the covenant to Israel. They want to know if the recent calamities were divine punishment or just bad luck, so they set up a sign: the path the ark takes will reveal the truth. This verse shows their uncertainty and desire for clear evidence about the source of their suffering.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 6:9

  • "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "road" or "path." The Philistines are watching to see which specific route the ark will take, emphasizing their desire for a clear, observable sign.
  • "coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This means "border" or "territory." The Philistines are watching to see if the ark will head toward the boundary of Israel, specifically to Bethshemesh, which would indicate a purposeful movement.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): This is often used to represent power or action. Here, it refers to God’s direct involvement—if the ark goes to Bethshemesh, it is a sign of God’s hand at work.
  • "chance" (מִקְרֶה, miqreh): This word means "happenstance" or "accident." The Philistines are considering the possibility that their misfortunes might have been random, not supernatural.

Why 1 Samuel 6:9 matters

  • This verse highlights the Philistines’ uncertainty about the God of Israel and their attempt to use a test to get a clear answer, showing their practical approach to spiritual questions.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding story by setting up the dramatic moment when the ark’s movement will confirm or deny God’s involvement, building suspense for the reader.
  • It clarifies that even Israel’s enemies recognized the possibility of God’s power but wanted undeniable proof before drawing conclusions, showing the impact of the plagues on their thinking.

Where else these words appear

“chance” Hebrew H4745 · used in 8 verses

  • Ruth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

“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 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
  • 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.

“us” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

“smote” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.