Verses 10–18
These two kine knew their owner, their great Owner, whom Hophin and Phinehas knew not.
God's providence takes notice even of brute creatures, and serves its own purposes by them. When
the reapers saw the ark, they rejoiced; their joy for that was greater than the joy of harvest. The
return of the ark, and the revival of holy ordinances, after days of restraint and trouble, are matters
of great joy.
Verses 19–21
It is a great affront to God, for vain men to pry into, and meddle with the secret things which
belong not to them, De 29:29; Col 2:18. Man was ruined by desiring forbidden knowledge. God
will not suffer his ark to be profaned. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Those that will not fear
his goodness, and reverently use the tokens of his grace, shall be made to feel his justice. The
number smitten is expressed in an unusual manner in the original, and it is probable that it means
- They desire to be rid of the ark. Foolish men run from one extreme to the other. They should
rather have asked, How may we have peace with God, and recover his favor? Mic 6:6, 7. Thus,
when the word of God works with terror on sinners' consciences, they, instead of taking the blame
and shame to themselves, quarrel with the word, and put that from them. Many stifle their
convictions, and put salvation away from them.
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The ark removed to Kirjath-jearim. (1–4)
The Israelites solemnly repent. (5, 6)
The Lord discomfits the Philistines. (7–12)
They are subdued, Samuel judges Israel. (13–17)Verses 1–4
God will find a resting-place for his ark; if some thrust it from them, the hearts of others shall
be inclined to receive it. It is no new thing for God's ark to be in a private house. Christ and his
apostles preached from house to house, when they could not have public places. Twenty years
passed before the house of Israel cared for the want of the ark. During this time the prophet Samuel
laboured to revive true religion. The few words used are very expressive; and this was one of the
most effectual revivals of religion which ever took place in Israel.