Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 6:9

9 And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath do[illegible: 1+ letters]e us this great evil : but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that hapned to us .

Or, Border, i. e. the way that leadeth to his Coast, or Border, viz. the Countrey to which it belongs.

Which they might well [illegible: 1 word], if such Heifers should against their common use, and natural instinct, go into a strange path, and Regularly and constantly proceed in it, without any man's Conduct.

This Evil came to us from some Influences of the Stars, or other unknown Causes. Which was a weak and Foolish Inference, depending upon a meer Contingency, it being uncertain whether God would please to give them this Sign; and probable that he would deny it, both to punish their Superstition, and to harden their hearts to their further and utter Destruction. But wicked Men will sooner believe the most uncertain and ridiculous things, than own the visible Demonstrations of Gods Power and Providence.

Marginal references: Or, it.