1 Samuel 5:6

ΒΆ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

But the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was heavy {H3513} upon them of Ashdod {H796}, and he destroyed {H8074} them, and smote {H5221} them with emerods {H2914}{H6076}, even Ashdod {H795} and the coasts {H1366} thereof.

ADONAI began oppressing the people of Ashdod; he ravaged them, striking Ashdod and its surrounding area with tumors.

Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors.

But the hand of Jehovah was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with tumors, even Ashdod and the borders thereof.

Commentary

1 Samuel 5:6 describes the immediate divine judgment upon the Philistine city of Ashdod after they had captured the Ark of the Covenant and brought it into their territory. This verse highlights God's active involvement in defending His holiness and His name, even when His people (Israel) had failed.

Context

Following a devastating defeat for Israel, the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant in battle. Believing it to be a powerful war trophy, they brought it to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of their god, Dagon. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 5:1-5) detail how Dagon miraculously fell prostrate before the Ark twice, the second time being utterly shattered. This act of divine humiliation against their idol preceded the physical affliction described in verse 6, demonstrating God's undisputed sovereignty over pagan deities and their worshippers.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty and Power: Even when the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, was in enemy hands, God Himself was not captive. He demonstrated His power independently, proving that He is not limited by human circumstances or the perceived strength of His enemies.
  • Judgment on Idolatry: The Philistines' reverence for Dagon and their disrespect for the Ark of the LORD brought severe consequences. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sole supremacy and His intolerance of idolatry.
  • The Holiness of God: The "hand of the LORD" brought affliction because His holy presence, represented by the Ark, was being profaned. God's holiness demands respect and cannot be treated lightly or as a mere object.
  • Divine Retribution: This verse clearly illustrates the principle of divine retribution for dishonoring God. The plague was a direct, unmistakable act of God's judgment.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The hand of the LORD was heavy upon them": This is a common biblical idiom signifying direct, powerful, and often severe divine intervention or judgment. It implies an undeniable force behind the affliction.
  • "Smote them with emerods": The Hebrew word is 'ophalim (Χ’Χ€ΧœΧ™Χ), which most scholars understand to refer to painful tumors, boils, or swellings, likely associated with hemorrhoids or possibly a bubonic plague-like affliction. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translates it as "swellings" or "tumors." This was a debilitating and humiliating disease, consistent with God's judgment against those who mock His holiness.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 5:6 serves as a timeless reminder that God cannot be mocked or contained. His glory and holiness are paramount, and He will defend them. For believers, it underscores the importance of reverencing God and His commands, understanding that He is not merely a concept but an active, sovereign Being who demands our respect and worship. For those who may not know God, it illustrates that there are real consequences for rejecting or dishonoring Him. This account also highlights that God's power is not dependent on human success or failure; He works according to His own will, often in surprising ways, to bring about His purposes and uphold His name.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 5:11 (7 votes)

    So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

  • Deuteronomy 28:27 (6 votes)

    The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

  • Exodus 9:3 (6 votes)

    Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain.

  • Psalms 32:4 (6 votes)

    For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

  • Acts 13:11 (6 votes)

    And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

  • Psalms 78:66 (4 votes)

    And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.

  • 1 Samuel 5:7 (4 votes)

    And when the men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.