John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And the Philistines called for the priests and for the diviners , etc.] The one were skilled in the rites and ceremonies of religion, not only of their own, but of other nations, particularly of Israel; and that they were not strangers to the history and affairs of that people is plain from ( Samuel 6:6) and the other were skilled in judicial astrology, and knowledge of future events, at least as they pretended to; and therefore were both thought fit persons to advise with on the occasion of the ark, and the circumstances they were in through that: saying, what shall we do to the ark of the Lord ? shall we send it back to its own land, or not? the Ekronites had moved it might be sent back, and the five lords sent for the priests and diviners to have their advice upon it, whether it was right or not, and what they should do to it, or with it; for if it was advisable to send it back, then another question follows: tell us wherewith we shall send it to its place ; whether on men’s shoulders, or on horses or asses, or on a carriage; and whether just as it was taken, or with some presents with it.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Seven months the Philistines were punished with the presence of the ark; so long it was a plague to them, because they would not send it home sooner. Sinners lengthen out their own miseries by refusing to part with their sins. The Israelites made no effort to recover the ark Alas! where shall we find concern for religion prevail above all othe matters? In times of public calamity we fear for ourselves, for ou families, and for our country; but who cares for the ark of God? We ar favoured with the gospel, but it is treated with neglect or contempt We need not wonder if it should be taken from us; to many persons this though the heavies of calamities, would occasion no grief. There ar multitudes whom any profession would please as well as that of Christianity. But there are those who value the house, the word, an the ministry of God above their richest possessions, who dread the los of these blessings more than death. How willing bad men are to shif off their convictions, and when they are in trouble, to believe it is chance that happens; and that the rod has no voice which they shoul hear or heed!
Original Hebrew ויקראו7121 פלשׁתים6430 לכהנים3548 ולקסמים7080 לאמר559 מה4100 נעשׂה6213 לארון727 יהוה3068 הודענו3045 במה4100 נשׁלחנו7971 למקומו׃4725
