1 Samuel 6:13–16

Now the people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. Then the cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh, and stood there; a large stone was there. So they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. The Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone. Then the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices the same day to the LORD. So when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.

Imagine the surprise of the people of Beth Shemesh as they’re out in the field harvesting wheat, and the long lost ark of the testimony just comes sauntering up, pulled by two cows. These folks definitely know the difference between a cow and a bull, so the scene is instantly ridiculous in their eyes.

Beth Shemesh is a Levitical city (see Joshua 21:13–16) specifically set aside for the descendants of Aaron, so they’re a priestly bunch. Their response to this bizarre turn of events is about what you’d expect—sacrifice. However, there are a few details to sort through.

The name “Joshua of Beth Shemesh” has no connection to anything that we now know of. It’s one of those details in the Old Testament whose relevance has been lost to history.

Also, it’s curious that the text doesn’t say that the cows came into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh, and stood there but, rather, that the cart did. This adds to the sense that the cart was driving. The cows seemed to be just following orders.

It’s also notable that the five lords of the Philistines stayed long enough to see the sacrifices. Once the cows had pulled the wagon straight to Beth Shemesh, the priests and diviners’ theory was confirmed, plus they were rid of the ark. Why stick around?

Well, since the priests and diviners included the golden idols as a guilt offering, they might have wanted to see if they were accepted in that spirit. Or they might have stayed because they were simply curious.

Actually, that’s commendable. Recall that these lords were in charge of cities (i.e., mayors). They had just been stumped by a severe problem and needed to bring in other “experts.”

They should be trying to learn from this incident.

No one is born wise. Wisdom comes from learning, and the right attitude is critical to learning.

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. — Proverbs 9:8b–9

People grow by admitting their errors and seeking to learn from them.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Weekend DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.