1 Samuel 6:17

KJV

And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the golden {H2091} emerods {H2914} which the Philistines {H6430} returned {H7725} for a trespass offering {H817} unto the LORD {H3068}; for Ashdod {H795} one {H259}, for Gaza {H5804} one {H259}, for Askelon {H831} one {H259}, for Gath {H1661} one {H259}, for Ekron {H6138} one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

The gold tumors which the P'lishtim sent back as a guilt offering for ADONAI were one each for Ashdod, 'Azah, Ashkelon, Gat and 'Ekron;

Berean Standard Bible

As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

American Standard Version

And these are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for a trespass-offering unto Jehovah: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 6:17 precisely enumerates the golden votive offerings presented by the Philistine lords, serving as a "trespass offering" to the God of Israel. These symbolic gifts—golden models of the tumors and mice that had afflicted them—were a desperate, albeit pagan, attempt to appease the Lord and halt the devastating plagues that had ravaged their five major cities after their ill-advised capture and desecration of the Ark of the Covenant. The verse underscores the Philistines' clear recognition of Yahweh's overwhelming power as the source of their suffering and their perceived need for immediate restitution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's journey among the Philistines, following its capture from Israel during a battle detailed in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark"). After the Ark was brought into their territory, God's judgment manifested powerfully and unmistakably. The Philistine idol Dagon repeatedly toppled and was shattered before the Ark in Ashdod, as recorded in [1 Samuel 5:4](/1_samuel/5-4 "1 Samuel 5:4 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark"). Subsequently, the inhabitants of Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron were afflicted with painful tumors (KJV "emerods") and a devastating plague of mice, as vividly described in [1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6 - God's Hand on Ashdod"), [1 Samuel 5:9](/1_samuel/5-9 "1 Samuel 5:9 - Affliction in Gath"), and [1 Samuel 5:12](/1_samuel/5-12 "1 Samuel 5:12 - Deadly Plague in Ekron"). Recognizing the divine hand behind their suffering, the Philistine lords, advised by their own priests and diviners, decided to return the Ark, accompanied by a guilt offering, as outlined in [1 Samuel 6:3-4](/1_samuel/6-3 "1 Samuel 6:3-4 - Philistine Counsel on Returning the Ark"). This specific verse, [1 Samuel 6:17](/1_samuel/6-17 "1 Samuel 6:17 - The Golden Offerings"), meticulously lists the golden emerods, corresponding to each of the five major Philistine cities, as a tangible part of that required restitution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable confederation of "Sea Peoples," organized into a powerful pentapolis (five major city-states: Ashdod, Gaza, Askelon, Gath, and Ekron), which exerted significant influence over the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan during this period. Their religious practices, like those of many other ancient Near Eastern peoples, frequently involved votive offerings—gifts presented to deities in fulfillment of a vow, in supplication for healing, or as an act of appeasement. The concept of creating offerings that physically represented the affliction (e.g., golden models of tumors or mice) was a common practice in pagan cultures of the time. Such offerings were intended to appease the offended deity, remove the plague, or demonstrate a public acknowledgment of the deity's power. While the Philistines were not bound by the Mosaic Covenant given to Israel, their priests and diviners recognized a universal principle of culpability and the perceived need for restitution when divine wrath was evident. Their actions, though rooted in paganism, remarkably echo the Israelite concept of a "trespass offering" (`'asham`), demonstrating a pragmatic and fear-driven response to overwhelming supernatural power, even from a foreign deity.

* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** is paramount; God's absolute control is unequivocally demonstrated, extending even over pagan nations and their deities, as His inescapable judgment falls upon those who dishonor His holy presence and sacred objects. Secondly, the theme of **Repentance and Restitution** emerges, as the Philistines, though outside the covenant, recognized the necessity of a "trespass offering" to atone for their profound offense against the God of Israel. This highlights a universal, albeit often distorted, understanding of culpability and the need for restitution when divine wrath is perceived. Thirdly, the **Symbolic Nature of the Offering** is evident; the golden emerods and mice were not merely valuable items but potent, symbolic representations of the very afflictions they had suffered. These served as a public, tangible acknowledgment that their suffering was directly caused by the God of Israel and a desperate plea for its cessation. Finally, the **Holiness of the Ark** is underscored; representing God's very presence, the Ark was not a mere war trophy but a sacred object demanding utmost reverence, and its capture brought severe, devastating consequences upon those who treated it with disrespect, affirming God's unyielding demand for holiness and the dire repercussions of its violation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Golden (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this term refers to gold, or figuratively, something gold-colored. The specification that these offerings were "golden" is highly significant. Gold was the most precious metal in the ancient world, universally signifying value, importance, royalty, and honor. By making the models of their afflictions out of gold, the Philistines underscored the gravity of their situation, the high esteem (even if born of fear) in which they now held the God of Israel, and their earnest, costly desire for the plague to cease. It was a conspicuous and valuable act of appeasement, demonstrating their willingness to offer something of great worth to avert further divine wrath.
* **Emerods (Hebrew, _ṭᵉchôr'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to burn," this term refers to a boil or ulcer, specifically a tumor in the anus or pudenda (the piles). Scholarly consensus suggests these were painful hemorrhoids or buboes, likely associated with a severe plague, possibly bubonic plague, which would account for the rapid, widespread affliction and high mortality rates described in the preceding chapters. The Philistines' offering of golden models of these specific tumors was a direct, symbolic acknowledgment of the precise divine judgment they had endured, a physical representation of their suffering offered back to the perceived source of their pain.
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, _ʼâshâm'_):** This term, meaning "guilt" or "a fault," by implication also refers to a sin-offering. Within the Mosaic Law, an `ʼâshâm` was a specific type of offering made for unintentional sins or violations against holy things, often requiring restitution or compensation in addition to the sacrifice (e.g., [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14-19 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Trespass Offering")). While the Philistines were not under Israelite law, their use of this concept demonstrates their recognition of a spiritual debt owed to the God of Israel for their offense against His sacred Ark. It acknowledges a profound violation that required appeasement and restitution, indicating a universal understanding of culpability for transgressions against the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD;":** This initial clause introduces the specific nature of the restitution made by the Philistines. The "golden emerods" (tumors) are explicitly identified as the physical representation of the plague they suffered. By returning them "for a trespass offering," the Philistines acknowledge their culpability and the need for atonement to Yahweh, the God of Israel, for their offense in capturing and dishonoring His Ark. This demonstrates their understanding that their suffering was a direct and punitive consequence of their actions against the divine, necessitating a formal act of appeasement.
* **"for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;":** This enumeration meticulously details the distribution and origin of the offerings, specifying that each of the five principal Philistine cities (the Pentapolis) contributed one golden emerod. This highlights the widespread nature of the affliction across their entire confederacy and signifies a collective act of appeasement from all major Philistine lordships. It emphasizes the unified recognition of God's hand upon them and their joint effort to seek relief, demonstrating the comprehensive impact of God's judgment and their synchronized response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound meaning and emphasize the Philistines' plight and response. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the explicit listing of each of the five Philistine cities, which serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the plague and the unified, widespread response from the entire pentapolis. This **repetition** of "for [city] one" further underscores the pervasive impact of God's judgment across their land. **Symbolism** is central, as the "golden emerods" are not merely valuable objects but potent symbols representing the very affliction that God brought upon them. This act of creating symbolic representations of their suffering and offering them back to God can be seen as a form of **votive offering**, a common practice in the ancient Near East, here adapted by the Philistines in a desperate response to a foreign deity. There is also a subtle but powerful **irony** in a pagan nation adopting a concept akin to Israel's "trespass offering" to appease the God of Israel, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and the inescapable nature of His judgment, even upon those who do not explicitly worship or acknowledge Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of all nations, not just Israel. The Philistines, a pagan people, are compelled to acknowledge the overwhelming power and holiness of Yahweh through direct, punitive judgment. Their "trespass offering," though rooted in their own cultural practices, signifies a universal understanding that sin against a holy God, even if committed in ignorance or defiance, carries severe consequences and requires restitution. This echoes the broader biblical theme that God's justice extends beyond covenant boundaries, demonstrating His inherent righteousness and His demand for reverence from all creation. The very nature of the offering—golden models of their afflictions—serves as a tangible confession of their guilt and a desperate plea for mercy, underscoring that true acknowledgment of sin often involves a costly and humbling act of repentance.

* [Leviticus 5:15-16](/leviticus/5-15-16 "Leviticus 5:15-16 - Trespass Offering for Holy Things")
* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - God's Judgment on Egyptian Gods")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Ark among the Philistines, culminating in their desperate offering, serves as a profound reminder of God's unyielding holiness and His power to bring judgment upon those who dishonor Him or His sacred things. It teaches us that God's authority transcends human boundaries, cultural norms, or even our acknowledgment of Him. The Philistines, despite their paganism, were compelled to recognize and respond to the divine hand. For believers today, this passage underscores the critical importance of reverence for God's name, His Word, and His presence in our lives. It challenges us to consider if there are areas where we might be treating God's holiness lightly, either through neglect, disobedience, or a lack of awe. Furthermore, the Philistines' act of restitution, costly and symbolic, prompts us to reflect on the nature of our own repentance. Is our confession of sin merely verbal, or does it lead to tangible actions of restitution where possible, demonstrating a genuine desire to make things right with God and others? God's justice is absolute, but His mercy is also available to those who humbly acknowledge their transgression and seek His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the Philistines, unknowingly or knowingly dishonor God's holiness in our lives today?**
* **What does the Philistines' "trespass offering" teach us about the nature of true repentance and restitution, even when it's costly or humbling?**
* **How does God's sovereign judgment over the Philistines encourage or challenge your understanding of His power in the world today?**
* **If God's presence brings such severe consequences when treated irreverently, how should we approach our worship and daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Philistines offer golden models of tumors and mice?**

Answer: The Philistines offered golden models of tumors (emerods) and mice as a symbolic and superstitious act of appeasement to the God of Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common to make votive offerings that represented the affliction from which one sought deliverance. By offering golden images of the very plagues they suffered (painful tumors and a devastating mouse infestation, as described in [1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6 - God's Hand on Ashdod") and [1 Samuel 6:5](/1_samuel/6-5 "1 Samuel 6:5 - Golden Mice and Tumors")), they were publicly acknowledging that Yahweh was the source of their suffering. The gold signified the value and seriousness of their offering, hoping to appease His wrath and persuade Him to remove the plague from their land. It was a form of "sympathetic magic" combined with a recognition of divine judgment, aimed at diverting further divine punishment.

**Did the Philistines truly repent or convert to the worship of Yahweh?**

Answer: While the Philistines acknowledged the overwhelming power of the God of Israel and sought to appease Him, there is no indication in the text that they truly repented in the biblical sense or converted to the worship of Yahweh. Their actions were primarily driven by fear and a pragmatic desire to end the devastating plagues. They consulted their own priests and diviners ([1 Samuel 6:2](/1_samuel/6-2 "1 Samuel 6:2 - Philistine Priests and Diviners")), and their offering, though echoing the Israelite "trespass offering," was rooted in their own cultural practices of votive gifts. Their primary goal was self-preservation and the cessation of divine judgment, not a genuine turning from their idols (like Dagon, mentioned in [1 Samuel 5:2-4](/1_samuel/5-2-4 "1 Samuel 5:2-4 - Dagon Before the Ark")) to serve the one true God. Their subsequent conflicts with Israel (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:7](/1_samuel/7-7 "1 Samuel 7:7 - Philistines Attack Israel")) further confirm that their fear-induced appeasement was not a lasting spiritual conversion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Philistines' desperate act of returning the Ark with a "trespass offering" of golden emerods and mice, while rooted in pagan superstition, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's greatest trespass: sin. Their affliction was a direct consequence of dishonoring God's holy presence, much like humanity's spiritual "plague" is a direct result of our sin against a holy God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The Philistines sought to appease God through costly, symbolic representations of their suffering, but these could only temporarily alleviate physical judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and perfect "trespass offering" for humanity's sin, not merely a symbolic representation but the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He bore the full weight of our spiritual "emerods" and "plagues"—the consequences of our rebellion against God—on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Through His one, perfect sacrifice, He provided the ultimate restitution and atonement, satisfying God's justice and opening the way for true peace and reconciliation, a peace that goes far beyond the temporary cessation of physical plagues, offering eternal life and freedom from the dominion of sin and death ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace with God Through Christ"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 1:20

Tell [it] not in Gath, publish [it] not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

2 Kings 1:2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

Zechariah 9:5

Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Zechariah 9:6

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 5:8

They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about [thither].

Judges 1:18

Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.