John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And they said, if ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty , etc.] As they perceived they had either resolved upon, or at least were inclined to do; and which they also thought advisable and therefore would have them by no means send it away as it was, but with some presents along with it; for the meaning of this word “empty” is not that they should take care that all that were in it when taken should go with it, and nothing be taken out of it, or it be stripped of its contents; but that some gifts and offerings should be sent along with it: perhaps they might have some notion of, or respect unto a law in Israel, ( Exodus 23:15) or might say this from a common principle received among Heathens, that deities were to be appeased by gifts f110 : but in any wise return him a trespass offering ; here again they seem to have some notion of the sorts and kinds of sacrifice among the Israelites; and advise to a trespass offering, to make satisfaction and atonement for the offence they had committed in taking away the ark; and that they should make restoration not only by returning the ark, but by sending an expiatory offering along with it: then ye shall be healed ; of the disease with which they were smitten; for it seems it still continued on them, at least on many: and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you ; which was because the ark was detained by them; but when that should be sent home, and they be healed upon it, then it would be a plain case that the reason why the disease was inflicted and continued was because of that.
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 ויאמרו559 אם518 משׁלחים7971 את853 ארון727 אלהי430 ישׂראל3478 אל408 תשׁלחו7971 אתו853 ריקם7387 כי3588 השׁב7725 תשׁיבו7725 לו אשׁם817 אז227 תרפאו7495 ונודע3045 לכם למה4100 לא3808 תסור5493 ידו3027 מכם׃4480
