Questions and Answers
How long had the ark been in Philistine hands when they gathered the priests and diviners to decide what to do with it (1 Sam 6:1)?
Who did the Philistines gather to figure out what to do with the ark of the Lord (1 Sam 6:2)?
What did the priests and diviners say the ark should be sent back to Israel with (1 Sam 6:3)?
Why did the Philistine priest recommend sending the ark back with the guilt offering (1 Sam 6:3)?
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What guilt offering did the Philistines send back with the ark (1 Sam 6:4)?
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Why did the Philistines send exactly five golden rats and five golden tumors back to Israel with the ark (1 Sam 6:4)?
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What were the priests hoping would happen with the return of the ark and the golden rats guilt offering sent back to Israel (1 Sam 6:5)?
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Who did the Philistines note had hardened their hearts and had to pay adverse consequences (1 Sam 6:6)?
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How did the Philistines return the ark to Israel (1 Sam 6:7)?
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What requirements did the Philistines put on the cows that were to pull the ark back to Israel (1 Sam 6:7)?
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What requirements did the Philistines put on the cows that were to pull the ark back to Israel (1 Sam 6:7)?
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What was done just before the ark was put on the cart pulled by the two cows (1 Sam 6:7)?
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What were the Philistines attempting to determine by the way they sent the ark back to Israel (1 Sam 6:9)?
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The Philistines made a test that if the ark and cart went toward what city they would know the disaster was from the hand of the Lord (1 Sam 6:9)?
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When did the cart carrying the ark come back to the people of Beth Shemesh (1 Sam 6:13)?
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Study Notes
The Return of the Ark
- The ark of the Lord was in Philistine possession for seven months before a decision was made on how to return it to Israel.
- The Philistines consulted priests and diviners to determine the proper course of action regarding the ark.
Guilt Offering
- Priests and diviners advised the Philistines to send the ark back with a guilt offering, believing this would appease the God of Israel.
- The guilt offering included five golden rats and five gold tumors, symbolizing their acknowledgment of the plague affecting them.
Reason for Guilt Offering
- The exact number of golden rats and tumors corresponded to the five rulers of the Philistine cities, reflecting their collective responsibility for the afflictions they faced.
Hope for Healing
- The Philistine priests hoped that by returning the ark along with the guilt offering, God would heal them and lift His hand from their cities.
Hardening of Hearts
- The priests referenced Pharaoh and the Egyptians as a historical example of those who hardened their hearts against God, resulting in dire consequences.
Return Method of the Ark
- The ark was returned on a cart pulled by two cows that had never been yoked, following specific rituals by the Philistines to ensure proper tribute to the Lord.
Additional Requirements for Cows
- The cows chosen had recently given birth, and their calves were penned up, ensuring the cows would not turn back but follow through to Israel.
Testing the Divine Influence
- The Philistines sought to determine if the troubles they experienced were due to the ark by observing if the cows would lead the cart unimpeded toward the city of Beth Shemesh.
Arrival in Beth Shemesh
- The cart carrying the ark returned to Beth Shemesh during the wheat harvest, a time indicating a season of productivity and communal gathering.
Outcome of Return
- The events surrounding the ark's return illustrate significant cultural and religious beliefs of the Philistines and their understanding of divine influence in their lives.
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Description
Test your knowledge of 1 Samuel Chapter 6 with these flashcard MC questions. Discover how well you understand the events and decisions made by the Philistines concerning the ark of the Lord. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of biblical studies.
