1 Samuel 6:11

And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

And they laid {H7760} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} upon the cart {H5699}, and the coffer {H712} with the mice {H5909} of gold {H2091} and the images {H6754} of their emerods {H2914}.

Then they put the ark on the cart, along with the box containing the gold rats and the models of their tumors.

Then they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, along with the chest containing the gold rats and the images of the tumors.

and they put the ark of Jehovah upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors.

Commentary

Context

This verse describes the Philistines' actions as they prepare to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. After capturing the Ark in battle (1 Samuel 4:11), the Philistines suffered severe plagues and destruction in their cities, including the humiliating toppling and breaking of their idol, Dagon, before the Ark (1 Samuel 5:4). Realizing the distress was from the God of Israel, their priests and diviners advised them to send the Ark back with a guilt offering, as detailed in the preceding verses (1 Samuel 6:4-5). This act signifies their desperate attempt to appease God and cease the afflictions.

Key Themes

  • God's Unquestionable Sovereignty: Even in pagan lands and among His enemies, the God of Israel demonstrates absolute control over creation and human affairs, forcing the Philistines to acknowledge His power and holiness.
  • Consequences of Disrespecting God: The Philistines learned through painful experience that handling God's sacred objects irreverently brings severe divine judgment and affliction.
  • Atonement and Guilt Offerings: The golden mice and "images of their emerods" (tumors/boils) were a symbolic "trespass offering" (Hebrew: 'asham). This was an attempt by the Philistines to make amends and turn away divine wrath, mirroring elements of Israelite sacrificial practices, though performed by those who did not truly know God.
  • Divine Providence: God orchestrates the Ark's return, using even His enemies and their pagan customs to fulfill His purposes and bring His sacred presence back to His people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "emerods" refers to tumors, boils, or hemorrhoids, likely a severe form of plague that afflicted the Philistines. The golden "images" of these ailments and the "mice" (representing the rodents that carried the plague) were votive offerings. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common practice to offer effigies of afflicted body parts or the cause of a plague to a deity in hopes of healing or appeasement. This was the Philistines' attempt to apply their understanding of appeasement to the God of Israel, demonstrating their profound fear and desire for relief from the divine hand that afflicted them.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God's power transcends human understanding and geographical boundaries. It highlights the futility of opposing God and the wisdom of acknowledging His authority. For believers, it reinforces the importance of reverence for God and His commands. Just as the Philistines brought offerings to appease God, we are called to approach God with a humble and repentant heart, recognizing His holiness and seeking His mercy. This is ultimately found not through animal sacrifices or golden effigies, but through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:14). It also serves as a reminder that God can work through unexpected means and even through those who do not know Him, to accomplish His divine will.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:13 (3 votes)

    For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:15 (3 votes)

    And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 6:3 (2 votes)

    And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:7 (2 votes)

    And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.