1 Samuel 6:8
And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.
1 Samuel 6:8 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from 1 Samuel 6:3, the Israelites are instructed to take the ark of the LORD and place it on a cart. The ark of the LORD was a sacred object that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented the presence of God among the Israelites. The instructions to place the ark on a cart and send it away were given as part of a plan to return the ark to its rightful place after it had been captured by the Philistines. Additionally, the verse mentions putting jewels of gold as a trespass offering in a coffer by the side of the ark. This offering was a symbolic gesture to acknowledge and atone for any wrongdoings committed by the Israelites that may have led to the loss of the ark. By following these instructions, the Israelites were showing their reverence for the ark and their desire to restore it to its proper place, recognizing the importance of their relationship with God.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse from the book of 1 Samuel is that it illustrates the importance of honoring and respecting the presence of the Lord. In this particular instance, the people are instructed to take the ark of the Lord, which symbolizes the presence of God, and lay it upon a cart. The ark is then to be accompanied by jewels of gold, which are returned as a trespass offering. This emphasizes the idea of giving back to God what is rightfully His and seeking forgiveness for any wrongdoings committed. By sending away the ark on the cart, the people are showing their reverence for the divine presence and taking steps to ensure its proper care and handling.
1 Samuel 6:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
and take the ark of Jehovah, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass-offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.
World English Bible
and take Yahweh’s ark, and lay it on the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which you return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by its side; and send it away, that it may go.
Douay-Rheims
And you shall take the ark of the Lord, and lay it on the cart, and the vessels of gold, which you have paid him for sin, you shall put into a little box at the side thereof: and send it away, that it may go.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then take the Arke of the Lord, and set it vpon the cart, and put the iewels of gold which ye giue it for a sinne offering in a coffer by the side thereof, and send it away, that it may go.