John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it upon the cart , etc.] Which was dispensed with in these uncircumcised Philistines, there being no other to do this service: and put the jewels of gold ; or rather “vessels of gold” f120 ; the five golden emerods, and the five golden mice: which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof ; in a basket, as the Syriac version: in a scrip, as the Arabic; in a purse, or bag, as Josephus f121 ; which latter is probable enough: and send it away, that it may go ; that is, set it a going, without any driver or guide; but leave it to take its course of itself to the land of Israel.
Josephus says it was set in a place where three ways met, that it might take which it might; and the taking of the right way must be a strong evidence of its being under the direction of God.
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 ולקחתם3947 את853 ארון727 יהוה3068 ונתתם5414 אתו853 אל413 העגלה5699 ואת853 כלי3627 הזהב2091 אשׁר834 השׁבתם7725 לו אשׁם817 תשׂימו7760 בארגז712 מצדו6654 ושׁלחתם7971 אתו853 והלך׃1980
