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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 6 - Verse 14

6:14
And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.

Meaning

In this verse, we see an interesting story from the Bible where the cart carrying the ark of the covenant stops in the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite. The presence of the ark symbolizes the presence of God among the people. The great stone in the field is significant as it represents a place of sacrifice and worship. The people then proceed to cut up the wood from the cart to create a burnt offering to the Lord using the kine (which are cattle). This act of offering a burnt sacrifice shows reverence and obedience to God. It is a way for the people to demonstrate their faith and seek forgiveness or thanksgiving from the Lord.

Theological Overview

In this particular verse, there are several theological interpretations and symbolic meanings that can be derived. The act of offering burnt offerings to the Lord was a common practice in the Old Testament as a way to seek forgiveness for sins and to show devotion to God. The fact that the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, is significant as it suggests that God's presence and blessings are not limited to specific locations or individuals but can manifest anywhere. The great stone in the field may symbolize a place of worship or a marker of a significant event. The act of cleaving the wood of the cart for the burnt offering could symbolize stripping away impurities or unnecessary elements in order to present a pure and genuine offering to the Lord. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of obedience, faith, and reverence in worshiping God.

American Standard Version

And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered up the kine for a burnt-offering unto Jehovah.
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