A Payoff for Yahweh?

The ark of the covenant bounces around the cities of Philistia for seven months, bringing affliction wherever it goes. In Scripture, the number seven typically denotes completeness. In this case, it appears that, after seven months, God’s anger against both the Israelites and the Philistines is complete.

The Philistine leaders finally realize what their people already have seen—the ark must go back to Israel. But sending it back is problematic. The Philistines are dealing with their enemy’s God—the return of the ark must be handled properly lest He be angered further. There is also the practical problem of transferring a national treasure during wartime. So the lords of the Philistines turn to their “priests and diviners” for guidance. These pagan clergymen are clearly in favor of giving the ark back, for they are mindful of the Egyptians’ experience (v. 6). Thus, they advise that the ark be sent back with a “trespass offering,” an acknowledgement of sin. So far, so good. But they go far astray when they suggest that the offering should consist of five golden rats and five golden tumors, symbols of the afflictions that God brought on the five principal cities of Philistia. They do not understand that only blood, not gold, can atone for sin. Essentially, these priests are proposing a payoff plan to placate Yahweh. But they implicitly acknowledge that they are guessing as to the proper procedure, for in one breath they express confidence about their proposal (” ‘you will be healed …,’ ” v. 3) and in the next doubt (” ‘perhaps He will lighten His hand from you, from your gods, and from your land,’ ” v. 5).

The actual plan for the transfer itself is hardly submissive. Essentially, the Philistines declare that if God wants the ark back, He’ll have to take it. They’ll put it on a new cart with the gold items and hitch up two previously unyoked milk cows, both suitable for sacrificing if they end up in Israelite hands. But when the cart is sent on its way, God will have to cause the cows to leave their calves and to follow a particular road to a particular Israelite city. If all this happens, the Philistines will “know” that God has caused their affliction (as if they need further proof). If not, they will assume it was all just a big coincidence and they can feel free to keep the ark. God has worked great wonders in their midst, yet they continue to demand that He prove Himself.