1 Samuel 6:4
1 Samuel 6:4 in Multiple Translations
“What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.
Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
Then said they, What shall be the trespass-offering which we shall return to him? And they said, Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
Then they said, What sin-offering are we to send to him? And they said, Five gold images of the growths caused by your disease and five gold mice, one for every lord of the Philistines: for the same disease came on you and on your lords.
“What kind of guilt offering should we send back to him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold objects in the shape of the swellings, and five gold rats representing the number of rulers of the Philistines,” they replied. “The same plague attacked both you and your rulers.
Then sayd they, What shalbe the sinne offring, which we shall giue vnto it? And they answered, Fiue golden emerods and fiue golden mise, according to the number of the princes of the Philistims: for one plague was on you all, and on your princes.
And they say, 'What [is] the guilt-offering which we send back to Him?' and they say, 'The number of the princes of the Philistines — five golden emerods, and five golden mice — for one plague [is] to you all, and to your princes,
Then they said, “What should the trespass offering be which we shall return to him?” They said, “Five golden tumors and five golden mice, for the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
Then said they, What shall be the trespass-offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
They answered: What is it we ought to render unto him for sin? and they answered:
The people of Philistia asked, “What kind of offering should we send?” The men replied, “Make five gold models of the tumors on your skin, and five gold models of rats. Make five of each because that is the same number as the number of your kings, and because the plague has struck both you people and your five kings.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
מָ֣ה
הָ/אָשָׁם֮
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
נָשִׁ֣יב
ל/וֹ֒
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
מִסְפַּר֙
סַרְנֵ֣י
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
חֲמִשָּׁה֙
עפלי
טְחֹרֵ֣י
זָהָ֔ב
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
עַכְבְּרֵ֣י
זָהָ֑ב
כִּֽי
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
אַחַ֛ת
לְ/כֻלָּ֖/ם
וּ/לְ/סַרְנֵי/כֶֽם
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הָ/אָשָׁם֮
ʼâshâm
H817
guilt (offering)
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
ל/וֹ֒
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִסְפַּר֙
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
lord
N-mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
חֲמִשָּׁה֙
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
עפלי
ʻôphel
H6076
hill
N-mp
טְחֹרֵ֣י
ṭᵉchôr
H2914
tumor
N-mp
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
châmêsh
H2568
five
Conj | Adj
עַכְבְּרֵ֣י
ʻakbâr
H5909
mouse
N-mp
זָהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
maggêphâh
H4046
plague
N-fs
אַחַ֛ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
לְ/כֻלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/סַרְנֵי/כֶֽם
çeren
H5633
lord
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 6:4
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/אָשָׁם֮
ʼâshâm
H817
"guilt (offering)"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to guilt or a fault, often requiring a sin offering. It is used to describe a trespass or offense against God, as seen in the book of Leviticus. The KJV translates it as guiltiness or trespass offering.
Definition: 1) guilt, offense, guiltiness 1a) offense, trespass, fault 1b) guilt, guiltiness 1c) compensation (for offense) 1d) trespass offering, guilt offering
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering). See also: Genesis 26:10; Leviticus 14:25; Psalms 68:22.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
ל/וֹ֒
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִסְפַּר֙
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
"lord"
N-mp
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
חֲמִשָּׁה֙
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
עפלי
ʻôphel
H6076
"hill"
N-mp
This word can mean a tumor or a mound, like a fortress or strong hold. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and geographical features.
Definition: hill, mound, fort, stronghold, Ophel
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: emerod, fort, strong hold, tower. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; Isaiah 32:14.
טְחֹרֵ֣י
ṭᵉchôr
H2914
"tumor"
N-mp
This word describes a painful tumor or ulcer, especially in the anal region, and is translated as emerod in the KJV. It is used to describe a physical affliction in the Bible.
Definition: tumours, haemorrhoids, piles
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: emerod. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Samuel 6:17.
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
עַכְבְּרֵ֣י
ʻakbâr
H5909
"mouse"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for mouse is used in the Bible to describe a small rodent that nibbles or gnaws. It appears in 1 Samuel 6:4 and Isaiah 66:17, often symbolizing something small or insignificant.
Definition: mouse
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: mouse. See also: Leviticus 11:29; 1 Samuel 6:11; Isaiah 66:17.
זָהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
maggêphâh
H4046
"plague"
N-fs
A plague or pestilence in the Bible often refers to a divine judgment, like the plagues God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 7-12. It can also mean a defeat or slaughter, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10.
Definition: 1) blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence, strike, smite 1a) blow (fatal stroke) 1b) slaughter (of battle) 1c) plague, pestilence (divine judgment)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] be) plague(-d), slaughter, stroke. See also: Exodus 9:14; 2 Samuel 17:9; Psalms 106:29.
אַחַ֛ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לְ/כֻלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
וּ/לְ/סַרְנֵי/כֶֽם
çeren
H5633
"lord"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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- 1 Samuel 6:4 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:4
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
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- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:4
Context — The Ark Returned to Israel
2the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.”
3They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”
4“What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.
5Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land. 6Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs? When He afflicted them, did they not send the people out so they could go on their way?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:3 | the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 6:17–18 | As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh. |
| 3 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 5:6 | Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 5:9 | But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD’s hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 5:12 | Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 6:5 | Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land. |
| 8 | Exodus 12:35 | Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. |
1 Samuel 6:4 Summary
In 1 Samuel 6:4, the Philistines are trying to figure out how to make things right with the God of Israel after they've been afflicted with a plague. They decide to send back some gold offerings, including tumors and rats, to show that they recognize their sin and are willing to make amends. This shows that God's people must acknowledge and repent of their sin in order to experience healing and restoration, as seen in other Bible verses like 1 John 1:8-9 and Psalm 51:1-17. By sending these offerings, the Philistines are, in a sense, saying 'we're sorry' and asking for God's mercy, which is a key part of the biblical concept of forgiveness and redemption, as seen in Romans 3:23-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the five gold tumors and five gold rats in 1 Samuel 6:4?
The five gold tumors and five gold rats represent the number of rulers of the Philistines, and the same plague that struck the people also struck their rulers, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:4, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, similar to the plagues in the book of Exodus, such as Exodus 7:14-12:30.
Why did the Philistines ask about a guilt offering in 1 Samuel 6:4?
The Philistines asked about a guilt offering because they recognized that their affliction was a result of their sin against the God of Israel, and they sought to make amends, as advised by their priests and diviners in 1 Samuel 6:3, similar to the concept of guilt offerings in Leviticus 5:1-6:7.
What does the phrase 'since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers' mean in 1 Samuel 6:4?
This phrase indicates that the plague was not limited to the common people, but also affected the rulers of the Philistines, demonstrating the equalizing power of God's judgment, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as 1 Samuel 4:1-11 and Psalm 82:1-8.
How does 1 Samuel 6:4 relate to the concept of sin and guilt in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the biblical concept that sin and guilt require atonement, as seen in other passages like Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and Romans 3:23-25, and that God's people must acknowledge and make amends for their sin in order to experience healing and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing a 'plague' or hardship, and how can I recognize the hand of God in these circumstances?
- In what ways can I, like the Philistines, acknowledge and make amends for my sin, and what steps can I take to seek forgiveness and restoration from God?
- How can I, as a believer, demonstrate the power and sovereignty of God to those around me, as the Philistines were forced to acknowledge in 1 Samuel 6:4?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's judgment and the importance of humility and repentance in the face of His power?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:4
Then said they, what shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?.... They paid a great deference to their priests and diviners, and were willing to be directed in all things by them;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:4
Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
What shall be the trespass-offering? they desire particular information, because they were ignorant of the nature and manner of the worship of Israel’ s God, and they might easily understand that there were some kinds of offerings which God would not accept. Golden emerods, i.e. figures of that part of the body which was the seat of the disease, which by its swelling, or some other way, represented also the disease itself; which they offered not in contempt of God, for they sought to gain his favour hereby; but in testimony of their humiliation, that by leaving this monument of their own shame and misery they might obtain pity from God, and freedom from their disease. Golden mice; which marred their land, by destroying the fruits thereof; as the other plague afflicted their bodies.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
1 Samuel 6:4 Then said they, What [shall be] the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, [according to] the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague [was] on you all, and on your lords.Ver. 4. Five golden emerods, and five golden mice.] All these things were not only superstitious, but ridiculous: suggested, as some conceive, by Satan to the diviners, in contempt of God; but they were turned by an overruling providence to his great glory. He sent the Philistines mice and emerods of flesh and blood; they return him both these in gold: to imply, saith one, both that these judgments came out from God, and that they did gladly give him the glory of that whereof he gave them pain and sorrow: and that they would willingly buy off their pain with the best of their substance. Dr Hall.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
(4) Five golden emerods, and five golden mice.—It was a general custom in the nations of antiquity to offer to the deity, to whom sickness or recovery from sickness was ascribed, likenesses of the diseased parts; so, too, those who had escaped from shipwreck would offer pictures, or perhaps their garments, to Neptune, or, as some tell us, to Isis. (See, for instance, Horace, Carm. i. 5.) Slaves and gladiators would present their arms to Hercules; captives would dedicate their chains to some deity. This practice has found favour in more modern times. In the fifth century Christians—Theodoret tells us—would often offer in their churches gold or silver hands and feet, or eyes, as a thank-offering for cures effected in reply to prayer. Similar votive offerings are still made in Roman Catholic countries.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
Verse 4. Five golden emerods, and five golden mice] One for each satrapy. The emerods had afflicted their bodies; the mice had marred their land. Both, they considered, as sent by God; and, making an image of each, and sending them as a trespass-offering, they acknowledged this. See at the end.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:4
4. emerods] Or, boils. See note on ch. 1 Samuel 5:6. according to the number of the lords of the Philistines] The number of the confederate cities was naturally chosen to represent the whole people.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 6:4
It was a prevalent custom in pagan antiquity to make offerings to the gods expressive of the particular mercy received.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:4
4. Five golden emerods, and five golden mice — Perhaps these Philistine soothsayers had heard the history of the brazen serpent, (Numbers 21:4-9,) and therefore supposed that the wrath of Israel’s
Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exposition on Psalm 78 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the journey of the Israelites in the desert, highlighting their ungratefulness towards God despite His blessings and the consequences of their disobedi |
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Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th |
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The Reluctant God - Part 3 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his initial reluctance to answer God's call. Despite Moses' objections, God became angry with him and Moses ultimatel |
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Blessed for a Purpose by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's purpose in the blessings He bestows upon His children, highlighting that these blessings are not just for personal benef |
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A Pastor’s Response to "An Urgent Warning" by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of a pastor in responding to prophetic warnings about impending dangers. He reassures his congregation of God's sovereignty and control over all |