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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 6:13 Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/6-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/09_1Sa_06_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 6:13 - The Ark Returned to Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/6-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/6-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm" title="1 Samuel 6:12">◄</a> 1 Samuel 6:13 <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm" title="1 Samuel 6:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they saw the Ark, they were overjoyed!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And <i>they of</i> Bethshemesh <i>were</i> reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now <i>the people of</i> Beth Shemesh <i>were</i> reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now <i>the people of</i> Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now <i>the people of</i> Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now <i>the people of</i> Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now <i>the men of</i> Beth-shemesh were gathering their wheat harvest in the valley, and they looked up and saw the ark and rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The people of Beth-Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the chest, they were so happy that they stopped working and started celebrating. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping wheat in the valley, when suddenly they looked up and saw the Covenant Box. They were overjoyed at the sight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering their wheat harvest in the valley. They looked up, saw the Ark, and rejoiced to see it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they were overjoyed at the sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the residents of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they were pleased at the sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And those of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to meet it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Beth-Shemeshites are reaping their wheat-harvest in the valley, and they lift up their eyes, and see the Ark, and rejoice to see [it].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the Beth-Shemeshites are reaping their wheat-harvest in the valley, and they lift up their eyes, and see the ark, and rejoice to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the House of the Sun reaping the harvest of wheat in the valley: and they will lift up their eyes and see the ark, and they will rejoice to see.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now the Bethsamites were reaping wheat in the valley: and lifting up their eyes they saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now the Beth-shemeshites were harvesting wheat in the valley. And lifting up their eyes, they saw the ark, and they were glad when they had seen it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting the wheat in the valley. They looked up and rejoiced when they saw the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. When they looked up and saw the ark, they went with rejoicing to meet it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the men of the town of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced when they saw it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And men of the city of Bayth Shemesh were reaping the harvest of wheat in the low lying country, and they lifted up their eyes and they saw the Ark, and they rejoiced when they saw it<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Baethsamys were reaping the wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark of the Lord, and rejoiced to meet it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/6-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1506" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/6.htm">The Ark Returned to Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>And the cows headed straight up the road toward Beth-shemesh, staying on that one highway and lowing as they went, never straying to the right or to the left. The rulers of the Philistines followed behind them to the border of Beth-shemesh. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1053.htm" title="1053: ū·ḇêṯFrom bayith and shemesh; house of sun; Beth-Shemesh, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1053.htm" title="1053: še·meš (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and shemesh; house of sun; Beth-Shemesh, a place in Palestine.">Now the people of Beth-shemesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/7114.htm" title="7114: qō·ṣə·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To dock off, curtail, to harvest. A primitive root; to dock off, i.e. Curtail; especially to harvest.">were harvesting</a> <a href="/hebrew/7105.htm" title="7105: qə·ṣîr- (N-msc) -- From qatsar; severed, i.e. Harvest, the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2406.htm" title="2406: ḥiṭ·ṭîm (N-fp) -- Wheat. Of uncertain derivation; wheat, whether the grain or the plant.">wheat</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: bā·‘ê·meq (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale.">in the valley,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">and when they looked up</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·hem (N-cdc:: 3mp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: hā·’ā·rō·wn (Art:: N-cs) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: way·yiś·mə·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">they were overjoyed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">at the sight.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there near a large rock. The people chopped up the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-12.htm">2 Samuel 6:12-15</a></span><br />Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. / When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. / And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/3-14.htm">Joshua 3:14-17</a></span><br />So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">1 Chronicles 15:25-28</a></span><br />So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. / And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. / Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5</a></span><br />David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/13-8.htm">1 Chronicles 13:8</a></span><br />David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20-21</a></span><br />Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. / And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/98-4.htm">Psalm 98:4-6</a></span><br />Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! / Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/47-1.htm">Psalm 47:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-1.htm">Psalm 66:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! / Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/100-1.htm">Psalm 100:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. / Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/12-5.htm">Isaiah 12:5-6</a></span><br />Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. / Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-37.htm">Luke 19:37-38</a></span><br />And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: / “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-8.htm">Matthew 21:8-9</a></span><br />A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. / The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-12.htm">John 12:12-13</a></span><br />The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46-47</a></span><br />With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/6-11.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">Bethshemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">Beth-Shemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-9.htm">Beth-She'mesh</a> <a href="/ruth/2-23.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-15.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ruth/2-23.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/ruth/2-21.htm">Harvesting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Reaping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/judges/19-3.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">Shemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-18.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/judges/18-28.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/ruth/2-23.htm">Wheat</a> <a href="/ruth/2-23.htm">Wheat-Harvest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/6-15.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-15.htm">Bethshemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-15.htm">Beth-Shemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Beth-She'mesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Harvesting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Reaping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-15.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Shemesh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Wheat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Wheat-Harvest</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-1.htm">After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-10.htm">They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth Shemesh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">The people are smitten for looking into the ark</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-21.htm">They send to them of Kiriath Jearim to fetch it</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the people of Beth-shemesh</b><br>Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city located in the territory of Judah, near the border with the Philistines. As a Levitical city, it was designated for the priests and Levites, who were responsible for religious duties and the care of the Ark of the Covenant. This context is significant because the Ark was returning to a place where it should have been respected and understood.<p><b>were harvesting wheat in the valley</b><br>The timing of the wheat harvest places this event in late spring or early summer, a period of agricultural significance in ancient Israel. Harvest time was a season of hard work but also of joy and celebration, as it represented God's provision. The valley location suggests fertile land, ideal for agriculture, and highlights the everyday life of the Israelites, who were primarily agrarian.<p><b>and when they looked up and saw the ark</b><br>The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its return from Philistine captivity was a momentous event. The phrase "looked up" suggests an unexpected and divine encounter, as the Ark's return was not anticipated. This moment echoes other biblical instances where looking up signifies a revelation or divine intervention.<p><b>they were overjoyed at the sight</b><br>The joy of the people reflects the deep spiritual and national significance of the Ark's return. It was not merely a religious artifact but a symbol of God's covenant and favor. Their joy can be compared to other biblical instances of rejoicing at God's deliverance, such as the Israelites' celebration after crossing the Red Sea. This joy also prefigures the joy of believers in the presence of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/beth-shemesh.htm">Beth-shemesh</a></b><br>A town in the territory of Judah, allocated to the Levites. It was a border town between Judah and the Philistines, making it a significant location for the return of the Ark of the Covenant.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_beth-shemesh.htm">The People of Beth-shemesh</a></b><br>The inhabitants of this town, who were engaged in agricultural activities, specifically wheat harvesting, when they encountered the Ark.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a></b><br>A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its return from Philistine captivity was a momentous event.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philistines.htm">The Philistines</a></b><br>The people who captured the Ark in battle and later returned it due to the calamities it brought upon them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_harvest.htm">The Harvest</a></b><br>The context of the event, indicating a time of agricultural activity and possibly symbolizing a season of divine provision and blessing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_presence.htm">Reverence for God's Presence</a></b><br>The Ark symbolizes God's presence. We should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_in_restoration.htm">Joy in Restoration</a></b><br>The return of the Ark brought joy to the people. Similarly, we should find joy in God's restorative work in our lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The Ark's journey back to Israel demonstrates God's control over all circumstances. Trust in His sovereignty, even when situations seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_worship.htm">The Importance of Worship</a></b><br>The people's rejoicing signifies the importance of worship and gratitude. Cultivate a heart of worship in response to God's blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_shared_faith.htm">Community and Shared Faith</a></b><br>The collective joy of the people highlights the strength found in community and shared faith experiences. Engage actively in your faith community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_ithamar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Obed-Edom in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/any_external_proof_of_ark's_divine_sign.htm">In 1 Samuel 6:9, what evidence outside the text confirms the supposed divine sign for the Ark’s journey? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_david_moving_ark.htm">(1 Chronicles 13:6) Are there any archaeological or historical records backing David's attempt to transport the Ark from Kiriath Jearim?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/reconcile_1_sam_6_19_death_toll,_proof.htm">How do we reconcile the differing accounts of the death toll (70 vs. 50,070) in 1 Samuel 6:19, and is there archaeological proof of such an event?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">And they of Beth-shemesh.</span>--Beth-shemesh, or "House of the Sun," nearly equivalent to Heliopolis, "City of the Sun," was a priestly city. It would thus have seemed that this was a fitting home for the Ark of the Covenant to rest in for a time. Shiloh, the old sanctuary, was, we know, now desolate and ruined; but the priests and Levites, from what follows, evidently had forfeited their old position as guides and teachers of the people. Beth-shemesh was no fit permanent dwelling for the Ark of God. The story of the priestly life in the once famous Shiloh during the latter years of Eli indicated how utterly incapable the Levitical families were to influence and guide the people. The subsequent conduct of priestly Beth-shemesh on this memorable occasion, therefore, is not to be wondered at; at first they seem to have rejoiced at the sight of their lost sacred treasure, but an act of careless irreverence called down a swift and unexpected punishment.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> <span class="cmt_word">And they of Beth-shemesh.</span> More exactly, "And Beth-shemesh was reaping its wheat harvest," the whole population being in the fields. Though a priestly city, we find in ver. 15 the Levites distinguished from the ordinary inhabitants, as though they and the priests formed only the ruling class. <span class="cmt_word">In the valley.</span> Now called the Wady Surar, branching off into another valley on the south. Robinson ('Later Bibl. Res.,' 153) speaks of the site of Beth-shemesh as a very noble one, being "a low plateau at the junction of two fine plains." The wheat harvest takes place in Palestine in May, and consequently the disastrous battle of Eben-ezer must have been fought in the previous October. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/6-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now [the people of] Beth-shemesh</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(še·meš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1053.htm">Strong's 1053: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beth-shemesh -- 'sun temple', three places in Palestine, also a place in Egypt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were harvesting</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹצְרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ṣə·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7114.htm">Strong's 7114: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dock off, curtail, to harvest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wheat</span><br /><span class="heb">חִטִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥiṭ·ṭîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2406.htm">Strong's 2406: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wheat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the valley,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעֵ֑מֶק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘ê·meq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6010.htm">Strong's 6010: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vale</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and when they looked up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְאוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֣אָר֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were overjoyed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּשְׂמְח֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·mə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the sight.</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְאֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/6-13.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 6:13 They of Beth Shemesh were reaping their (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 6:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 6:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 6:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 6:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>