1 Samuel 6:3

“And they said, if ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty, etc.] As they perceived they had either resolved upon, or at least were inclined to do; and which they also thought advisable and therefore would have them by no means send it away as it was, but with some presents along with it; for the meaning of this word “empty” is not that they should take care that all that were in it when taken should go with it, and nothing be taken out of it, or it be stripped of its contents; but that some gifts and offerings should be sent along with it: perhaps they might have some notion of, or respect unto a law in Israel, (<022315>Exodus 23:15) or might say this from a common…”

“Send it not empty - See the marginal references. The pagan idea of appeasing the gods with gifts, and the scriptural idea of expressing penitence, allegiance, or love to God, by gifts and offerings to His glory and to the comfort of our fellow worshippers, coincide in the practical result. return to 'Top of Page'”

“It shall be known - You shall understand, what is hitherto doubtful, whether he was the author of these calamities, and why they continued so long upon you. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 6:4”

“6:3 It is unlikely the Philistines were aware of Israelite worship regulations. A Philistine guilt offering would have been a payment to the deity in an attempt to avert his wrath (contrast the notion of atonement from Lev 16).”

“empty: Exo 23:15, Exo 34:20; Deu 16:16 a trespass: Lev 5:6, Lev 5:15-19, Lev 6:6, Lev 7:1-7 known: Sa1 6:9, Sa1 5:7, Sa1 5:9, Sa1 5:11; Job 10:2, Job 34:31, Job 34:32 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 6:4”