The Hebrew word ṭᵉchôr, represented by H2914, refers to a boil or ulcer, specifically a tumor known as an emerod. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term derives from an unused root meaning "to burn," indicating an affliction characterized by severe inflammation.
In the biblical narrative, H2914 is used exclusively as a divine punishment. When the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them, and He smote them with emerods 1 Samuel 5:6. This plague afflicted the people in their cities, affecting both small and great 1 Samuel 5:9. The word also appears in Deuteronomy as a curse for disobedience, where the LORD warns He will smite the unfaithful with the emerods, the botch of Egypt, the scab, and the itch, from which they cannot be healed Deuteronomy 28:27.
Several related words provide context for the nature and cause of this affliction:
- H6076 ʻôphel (tumor): This word, which can also mean a fort or stronghold, is used in conjunction with H2914 to describe the plague as tumors or swellings 1 Samuel 5:6.
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This is the primary verb describing God's action, as He is said to smite the Philistines with the emerods for taking the Ark 1 Samuel 5:12.
- H5909 ʻakbâr (mouse): The emerod plague is directly associated with mice that were also marring the land. The trespass offering required by the Philistines included golden images of both their emerods and the mice 1 Samuel 6:4.
- H6754 tselem (image): This word is used for the representative figures the Philistines were commanded to create of their emerods and the mice as part of their offering to the God of Israel 1 Samuel 6:5.
The theological significance of H2914 is centered on divine retribution and the recognition of God's authority.
- Divine Judgment: The emerods serve as a tangible and humiliating punishment for desecrating what is holy. The LORD smites the Philistines for their actions, and it is listed as a potential curse for Israel's own disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:27, 1 Samuel 5:6).
- Trespass Offering: The affliction leads to a clear act of atonement. The Philistines create five golden emerods—one for each of their lords—as a trespass offering to return to the LORD 1 Samuel 6:17.
- Acknowledgement of God's Power: The plague forces a foreign nation to acknowledge the power of Israel's God. The Philistines were advised to make images of their emerods and give glory to God in the hope that He would lighten His hand from them and their gods 1 Samuel 6:5.
In summary, H2914 is not merely a medical term but a symbol of divine judgment. It primarily functions within the narrative of the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant to illustrate the severe consequences of profaning God's holiness. The story powerfully connects a physical ailment to a spiritual trespass, demonstrating the necessity of restitution and the undeniable sovereignty of God over all nations.
TRV