1 Samuel 6:18

KJV

And the golden mice, [according to] the number of all the cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the five lords, [both] of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great [stone of] Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: [which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the golden {H2091} mice {H5909}, according to the number {H4557} of all the cities {H5892} of the Philistines {H6430} belonging to the five {H2568} lords {H5633}, both of fenced {H4013} cities {H5892}, and of country {H6521} villages {H3724}, even unto the great {H1419} stone of Abel {H59}, whereon they set down {H3240} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}: which stone remaineth unto this day {H3117} in the field {H7704} of Joshua {H3091}, the Bethshemite {H1030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the gold rats also corresponded to the number of all the cities of the P'lishtim that belonged to the five leaders - fortified cities and country villages. [The rock] is a witness to this day of the great mourning [which resulted from] putting the ark of ADONAI on it in the field of Y'hoshua the Beit-Shimshi;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even unto the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Jehovah, which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously details the Philistines' comprehensive trespass offering, specifically the golden mice, correlating them to the widespread divine judgment that afflicted all their territories—both fortified cities and rural villages. It culminates by precisely identifying the Ark of the LORD's initial resting place at the "great stone of Abel" in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite, serving as an enduring historical marker of this pivotal event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the concluding summary of the Philistines' trespass offering and the Ark's journey back to Israelite territory. It follows the Philistine priests' and diviners' counsel to return the Ark with a specific offering of five golden tumors and five golden mice, corresponding to the number of their principal cities and the afflictions they endured, as outlined in [1 Samuel 6:4](/1_samuel/6-4 "1 Samuel 6:4 - The Philistines' Trespass Offering"). The broader narrative recounts the Ark's capture by the Philistines in [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured by Philistines"), its devastating impact on their cities (Ashdod, Gath, Ekron) through plagues of tumors and mice in [1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6-12 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues on Philistine Cities"), and their desperate decision to return it after seven months of suffering, as initiated in [1 Samuel 6:1](/1_samelines/6-1 "1 Samuel 6:1 - Philistines Plan Ark's Return"). Verse 18 specifically reinforces the completeness of the offering, extending its scope beyond just the five lords to encompass all affected areas, and then precisely marks the Ark's initial resting place within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable non-Semitic "Sea Peoples" group who had settled in the southwestern Levant, establishing a powerful pentapolis of five major cities: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Their primary deity was Dagon, often depicted as a grain or fish god. The practice of votive offerings, where effigies of afflictions or body parts were presented to deities in hopes of healing or appeasement, was a widespread custom in the ancient Near East. The golden tumors (or emerods) and mice were direct, symbolic representations of the specific plagues God had inflicted upon them. This act served as a public acknowledgment of their suffering and a desperate attempt to avert further divine wrath. While rooted in their pagan religious framework, this action nonetheless demonstrated their reluctant recognition of the Israelite God's superior power and sovereignty over their own gods and land. The distinction between "fenced cities" and "country villages" accurately reflects the typical settlement patterns of the era, encompassing both fortified urban centers and their surrounding agricultural and residential areas.
* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully underscores God's **divine sovereignty** over all nations, even those actively hostile to Israel. The Lord did not require Israel's military strength to reclaim His glory; His mere presence, represented by the Ark, was sufficient to bring overwhelming judgment upon the Philistines, showcasing His absolute control over creation and human affairs, as affirmed in [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens"). This episode also profoundly highlights the **holiness of God** and the **sacredness of the Ark of the Covenant**, emphasizing the severe consequences of treating holy things lightly or disrespectfully, as tragically illustrated in [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience"). The Philistines' offering, though external and perhaps superstitious, represents a form of **reparation and acknowledgment** of their "trespass" against a powerful deity, illustrating that even those outside the covenant can perceive and respond to God's mighty acts. Finally, the specific mention of the "great stone of Abel" and its location provides a crucial **historical verification**, anchoring the events in a tangible place and time for the original audience, thereby reinforcing the reliability and truthfulness of the account.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mice (Hebrew, _‘akbâr'_):** This term (H5909) refers to rodents, specifically mice or rats. In the context of the plagues, these animals were likely carriers of the bubonic plague or other diseases that caused the "tumors" (emerods). The offering of golden mice directly correlates to the specific affliction, indicating the Philistines' belief that these creatures were instrumental in their suffering and that their removal or appeasement was necessary for relief. This aligns with ancient Near Eastern votive practices where effigies of the affliction were offered to appease the deity believed to be responsible.
* **Fenced cities (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_):** This term (H4013) denotes fortified, walled cities, representing the major urban centers with defensive structures. The inclusion of these, alongside "country villages," emphasizes the widespread nature of the Philistine affliction, affecting both their primary population centers and their surrounding rural areas. This comprehensive scope necessitated an equally comprehensive offering to cover all affected territories.
* **Abel (Hebrew, _ʼÂbêl'_):** This place name (H59), meaning "meadow," is used here as part of the specific landmark "the great stone of Abel." While some translations render it simply as "great stone," the Hebrew includes "Abel," possibly referring to a specific landmark or a place that would later be associated with mourning due to the subsequent incident with the men of Beth Shemesh ([1 Samuel 6:19](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19 - The Men of Beth Shemesh Struck Down")). This stone served as a significant, enduring landmark marking the Ark's return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the golden mice, [according to] the number of all the cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the five lords,"**: This clause specifies the second component of the Philistine trespass offering—golden mice—and clarifies its extensive scope. While the five golden tumors corresponded to the five Philistine lords and their capital cities, the golden mice were given "according to the number of all the cities," implying a broader representation of every locality affected by the plague of mice, not just the principal cities. This suggests the plague of rodents was even more pervasive than the tumors, or that the Philistines considered it a distinct and widespread affliction requiring its own comprehensive appeasement.
* **"[both] of fenced cities, and of country villages,"**: This further elaborates on the phrase "all the cities," explicitly stating that the offering covered both the major, fortified urban centers and the smaller, unwalled rural settlements. This detail powerfully underscores the totality of the Philistine suffering and their desperate desire for a complete cessation of the divine judgment, acknowledging that no part of their land was untouched by the plague. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the Philistines' recognition of its reach.
* **"even unto the great [stone of] Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD:"**: This part describes the specific destination and initial resting place of the Ark upon its arrival in Beth Shemesh. The "great stone of Abel" served as a prominent landmark or a natural altar where the Ark was reverently placed by the Levites who received it. This act was crucial for the ritual of sacrifice and thanksgiving that followed, marking the definitive end of the Ark's captivity and its return to Israelite territory after seven months.
* **"[which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite."**: This concluding phrase provides an important historical note from the narrator. The phrase "unto this day" is a common literary device in biblical narratives, serving to verify the account's veracity by pointing to a tangible, enduring landmark. It assures the original audience that the stone was still present and recognizable in their time, located in the field belonging to a man named Joshua from Beth Shemesh, thereby solidifying the historical reality and reliability of the extraordinary events described.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative and theological impact. The most prominent is **Historical Marker** or **Verisimilitude**, powerfully evident in the precise mention of the "great stone of Abel" and its enduring location in "the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite," explicitly affirmed by the phrase "unto this day." This detail meticulously grounds the extraordinary, divinely-orchestrated events in a concrete, verifiable reality, lending undeniable credibility to the narrative for its original audience. There is also profound **Symbolism** in the golden effigies themselves; the golden tumors and mice are not merely offerings but potent symbolic representations of the specific divine judgments, indicating the Philistines' understanding (albeit limited and superstitious) of the direct cause of their suffering. Furthermore, the entire act of offering these effigies can be seen as a striking **Irony**, as the Philistines, a powerful pagan nation and traditional enemy of Israel, are compelled to acknowledge and appease the God of Israel, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over their idols and military might without a single Israelite sword being drawn.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 6:18 powerfully illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating that His holiness cannot be trifled with, even by those who are ignorant of His covenant. The Philistines' elaborate and costly trespass offering, including the specific details of the golden tumors and mice, underscores their reluctant but undeniable acknowledgment of the God of Israel's power. This episode serves as a profound testament to God's ability to defend His own glory and bring judgment upon those who oppose Him, without needing human intervention. It also highlights the sacredness of the Ark of the Covenant, which, as the earthly representation of God's presence, brought either blessing or judgment depending on how it was approached. The Philistines' actions, though rooted in pagan votive practices, reflect a universal human impulse to appease a perceived divine power when facing inexplicable suffering, pointing to a foundational awareness of a transcendent authority.

* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods"): God's judgment against the gods of Egypt parallels His judgment on Dagon and the Philistines, demonstrating His supremacy over all false deities.
* [Numbers 16:46-50](/numbers/16-46-50 "Numbers 16:46-50 - Atonement for Plague"): This passage shows a plague stopped by an atoning act, echoing the Philistines' attempt to halt their plague through their trespass offering, though their offering was external and not covenantal.
* [Psalm 115:3-7](/psalms/115-3-7 "Psalm 115:3-7 - Idols vs. Living God"): This psalm contrasts the impotent idols of the nations with the living God who does whatever He pleases, powerfully reflecting the Philistine experience with the Ark.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a potent reminder for believers today about the profound reverence due to God. It shows that God's power and holiness transcend cultural and national boundaries, and He will defend His glory against all who defy it, whether intentionally or out of ignorance. While we do not offer golden images, the principle remains: we must approach God with humility, respect, and a deep acknowledgment of His sovereignty in all things. The Philistines, though outside the covenant, were compelled to recognize God's authority through His actions, leading to a reluctant yet real acknowledgment of His power. This should challenge us to consider how we, as His covenant people, reflect His holiness in our lives and how readily we acknowledge His hand in both blessing and judgment. It also teaches us that God's acts of judgment are often designed to reveal His character and call even the unrighteous to a recognition of His ultimate authority, prompting us to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be resisting His will or failing to honor His divine majesty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Philistines' reluctant acknowledgment of God's power challenge my own willingness to fully submit to His sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, treat God's holiness lightly in my daily life or worship?**
* **What "trespasses" or acts of disrespect might I be committing against God's character or commands, and how can I offer genuine repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines offer golden mice and tumors?**

Answer: The Philistines offered golden effigies of mice and tumors as a trespass offering, a practice common in ancient Near Eastern cultures known as votive offerings. They believed that by offering replicas of the specific afflictions they were suffering (tumors/emerods and a widespread plague of mice), they could appease the deity who had sent the plagues and persuade Him to remove the judgment. This was their cultural way of acknowledging the specific nature of the divine punishment and attempting to make restitution or atonement, even though they did not fully understand the God of Israel. Their motivation was primarily pragmatic—to end their suffering and avert further divine wrath—rather than a genuine conversion or worship of the Lord.

**What is the significance of the "great stone of Abel"?**

Answer: The "great stone of Abel" (or "great stone") served as a prominent and enduring historical marker within the narrative. Its mention, along with the phrase "unto this day," is a literary device used by the biblical author to confirm the historical veracity of the events described. It was the specific location where the Ark of the Lord was placed upon its return to Israelite territory in Beth Shemesh, making it a tangible witness to the extraordinary divine intervention that forced the Philistines to return the Ark. This stone marked the crucial transition point from Philistine captivity back to Israel, signifying the end of a period of divine judgment and the restoration of God's presence among His people.

**Did the Philistines truly repent or convert to the God of Israel?**

Answer: While the Philistines clearly acknowledged the power of the God of Israel and sought to appease Him to end their suffering, their actions do not indicate a true repentance or conversion in the biblical sense. Their offering was primarily motivated by fear and a desire to avert further judgment, rather than a genuine change of heart or a commitment to worship the Lord exclusively. They were acting out of a pragmatic necessity, recognizing the Israelite God's immediate power over them, but there is no indication they abandoned their own gods or embraced the covenant of Israel. Their actions reflect a superstitious attempt to manage a powerful deity, not a transformation of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Ark's return and the Philistines' trespass offering, culminating in 1 Samuel 6:18, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, representing God's holy presence among His people, brought judgment to those who defiled it, highlighting the severity of sin and the absolute holiness of God. The Philistines' inadequate golden offerings, meant to appease an offended deity, point to the universal human need for atonement for sin. However, unlike their external, superstitious offering, Christ is the ultimate and perfect [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the true and final [atoning sacrifice](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Atoning Sacrifice") whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, fulfilling what the Ark and its rituals could only symbolize. The plagues upon the Philistines, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all creation and nations, find their ultimate expression in Christ's [universal dominion](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Universal Lordship") and His victory over sin, death, and all spiritual powers. The "great stone of Abel" served as a historical marker of God's intervention; Christ, as the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone"), is the foundational and enduring reality upon which God's redemptive history is built, a living testament to His saving power and grace for all who believe.

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

Deuteronomy 3:5

All these cities [were] fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.

1 Samuel 6:14

And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where [there was] a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.

1 Samuel 6:16

And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen [it], they returned to Ekron the same day.

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites: