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1 Samuel 5:6

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1 Samuel 5:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the hand of the Lord was hard on the people of Ashdod and he sent disease on them through all the country of Ashdod.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord punished the people of Ashdod and its surrounding area, devastating them and plaguing them with swellings.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the hand of the Lord was heauie vpon them of Ashdod, and destroyed them, and smote them with the emerods, both Ashdod, and the coastes thereof.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the hand of Jehovah is heavy on the Ashdodites, and He maketh them desolate, and smiteth them with emerods, Ashdod and its borders.

World English Bible WEB

But the LORD’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod, and its borders.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the Azotians, and he destroyed them, and afflicted Azotus and the coasts thereof with emerods. And in the villages and fields in the midst of that country, there came forth a multitude of mice, and there was the confusion of a great mortality in the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh [SYN] powerfully caused the people of Ashdod and the people who lived in nearby villages to have ◄a very great plague/serious illness► of tumors.

Plain English Version PEV

Then God made trouble for the people of Ashdod and the country around that town. He made everybody really sick, with lots of boils.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:6

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תִּכְבַּ֧ד יַד יְהוָ֛ה אֶל הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֖ים וַ/יְשִׁמֵּ֑/ם וַ/יַּ֤ךְ אֹתָ/ם֙ ב/עפלים בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֔ים אֶת אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד וְ/אֶת גְּבוּלֶֽי/הָ
וַ/תִּכְבַּ֧ד kâbad H3513 to honor Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יַד yâd H3027 hand N-cs
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֖ים ʼAshdôwdîy H796 Ashdod Art | Ngmpa
וַ/יְשִׁמֵּ֑/ם shâmêm H8074 be desolate Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
ב/עפלים ʻôphel H6076 hill Prep | N-mp
בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֔ים ṭᵉchôr H2914 tumor Prep | N-mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד ʼAshdôwd H795 Ashdod N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
גְּבוּלֶֽי/הָ gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:6

וַ/תִּכְבַּ֧ד kâbad H3513 "to honor" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
יַד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֖ים ʼAshdôwdîy H796 "Ashdod" Art | Ngmpa
An Ashdodite is someone from the city of Ashdod, which was a major city in the Philistine nation. The city's name means 'I will spoil' and its people are often mentioned in the book of Nehemiah.
Definition: Ashdodite = "I will spoil" an inhabitant of Ashdod Another spelling of ash.dod (אַשְׁדּוֹד "Ashdod" H0795)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ashdodites, of Ashdod. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 5:6; Nehemiah 13:23.
וַ/יְשִׁמֵּ֑/ם shâmêm H8074 "be desolate" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ב/עפלים ʻôphel H6076 "hill" Prep | N-mp
This word can mean a tumor or a mound, like a fortress or strong hold. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and geographical features.
Definition: hill, mound, fort, stronghold, Ophel
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: emerod, fort, strong hold, tower. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; Isaiah 32:14.
בַּ/טְּחֹרִ֔ים ṭᵉchôr H2914 "tumor" Prep | N-mp
This word describes a painful tumor or ulcer, especially in the anal region, and is translated as emerod in the KJV. It is used to describe a physical affliction in the Bible.
Definition: tumours, haemorrhoids, piles
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: emerod. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Samuel 6:17.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד ʼAshdôwd H795 "Ashdod" N-proper
Ashdod refers to a powerful Philistine city on the Mediterranean Sea, west of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the Bible as a major city. The name means powerful.
Definition: § Ashdod = "powerful" a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean Sea west from Jerusalem, modern Esdud
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ahdod. See also: Joshua 11:22; 1 Samuel 6:17; Isaiah 20:1.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּבוּלֶֽי/הָ gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 5:11 Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it.
2 Acts 13:11 Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
3 Exodus 9:3 then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks.
4 Psalms 32:4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah
5 Deuteronomy 28:27 The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors and scabs and itch from which you cannot be cured.
6 Psalms 78:66 He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame.
7 1 Samuel 5:7 And when the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay here with us, because His hand is heavy upon us and upon our god Dagon.”
8 Job 31:3 Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
9 1 Samuel 6:4–5 “What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land.
10 1 Samuel 5:9 But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD’s hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.

1 Samuel 5:6 Summary

[This verse, 1 Samuel 5:6, shows us that God is serious about being worshiped and honored, and when people reject Him or worship idols, He may discipline them, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:16-17. The people of Ashdod were afflicted with tumors because they had taken the ark of God, which represented His presence, and placed it in their temple next to their idol, Dagon. This event reminds us that God is a holy and just God, who will not tolerate idolatry or disobedience, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5. As we read this verse, we can reflect on our own hearts and actions, asking if there are any areas where we are dishonoring God or ignoring His presence in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the hand of the LORD to be heavy on a people?

This phrase indicates God's judgment and discipline, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:6, where the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod, causing them to be ravaged and afflicted with tumors, similar to the plagues in Exodus 9:3.

Why did God afflict the people of Ashdod with tumors?

The tumors were a manifestation of God's judgment on the people of Ashdod for their idolatry and for capturing the ark of the God of Israel, as stated in 1 Samuel 5:6, which is a fulfillment of the warning in Deuteronomy 28:27.

Is this verse related to any other events in the Bible?

Yes, this event is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites and their interactions with the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 4-7, and it parallels other stories of God's judgment on idolatrous nations, such as in Isaiah 19:1-15.

What can we learn from the response of the people of Ashdod to God's judgment?

The people of Ashdod recognized the hand of God in their affliction, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:7, and sought to rid themselves of the ark, demonstrating that even in judgment, God's power and presence can be acknowledged, as in the story of Jonah 1:14-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond to God's discipline in my own life, and what can I learn from the example of the people of Ashdod?
  2. In what ways can I prioritize the worship of the one true God, avoiding the idolatry that led to the judgment of Ashdod?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing the 'heavy hand' of God, and how can I surrender to His will?
  4. How can I share the message of God's power and judgment with others, as a warning and a call to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-21?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:6

But the hand of the Lord was heavy on them of Ashdod,.... Not only on their idol, but on themselves; it had crushed him to pieces, and now it fell heavy on them to their destruction: and he destroyed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:6

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. The hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:6

The hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, for their incorrigibleness by the foregoing documents. He destroyed them; partly by wasting their land, ; and partly by killing many of their persons, as is sufficiently implied here, . Emerods; a disease mentioned only here and ; it was in the hinder parts. It is needless to inquire into the nature of it. It may suffice to know that it was a very sore disease, and not only very vexatious and tormenting, but also pernicious and mortal.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:6

1 Samuel 5:6 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.Ver. 6. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod.] For he will not always serve men for a sinning stock, though he oft bear long with them. Patientia laesa sit furor. These men hardened their hearts; God therefore hardeneth his hand, and hasteneth their destruction. And he destroyed them.] With mice, say some, from 1 Samuel 6:4; with some other mortal disease, say others, besides that next mentioned; but that might give them their passport, and set them going. And smote them with emerods.] In podicibus, so Vatablus rendereth it, which some understand de lue Venerea: others, of a cancer or fistula: others, of the dysentery or bloody flux: but most, of the emerods or piles, called Mariscae or Ficus, Obscaenus turgenti podice morbus. Let such belly gods, quorum non alia est cura quam cibum ingerere, digerere, egerere, that are good for nothing else but to fill privies, take heed of God’ s hand in this kind: as one well warneth shag haired ruffians to beware of the Plica Polonica, that dreadful disease. Josephus. Sidonius. Bernard.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:6

(6) But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod.—A painful and distressing sickness, in the form, perhaps, of tumours—(the word emerods should be spelt hemorrhoids)—broke out among the inhabitants of the Philistine city in which was situated the idol temple, where was placed the Ark of the Covenant. The LXX. has an addition to the Hebrew text here which speaks of a terrible land plague which, apparently from subsequent notices, visited Philistia in addition to the bodily sufferings here spoken of. The Greek Version adds to 1 Samuel 5:6 these words: “and mice were produced in the land, and there arose a great and deadly confusion in the city.” In 1 Samuel 6:4, &c, among the expiatory offerings sent by the idolators to Israel to appease what they imagined the offended Hebrew God, “golden mice” are mentioned: “images of the mice that mar the land.” The mouse, according to Herodotus and the testimony of hieroglyphics, was an old symbol of pestilence. The Greek translators, however, failing to understand the meaning of the offering of golden mice, added the words—apparently in accordance with a received tradition—by way of explanation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:6

Verse 6. Smote them with emerods] The word עפלים apholim, from עפל aphal, to be elevated, probably means the disease called the bleeding piles, which appears to have been accompanied with dysentery, bloody flux, and ulcerated anus. The Vulgate says, Et percussit in secretiori parte natium; "And he smote them in the more secret parts of their posteriors." To this the psalmist is supposed to refer, Psalms 78:66, He smote all his enemies in the HINDER PARTS; he put them to a perpetual reproach. Some copies of the Septuagint have εξεζεσεναυτοιςειςταςναυς, "he inflamed them in their ships:" other copies have ειςταςἑδρας, "in their posteriors." The Syriac is the same. The Arabic enlarges: "He smote them in their posteriors, so that they were affected with a dysenteria." I suppose them to have been affected with enlargements of the haemorrhoidal veins, from which there came frequent discharges of blood. The Septuagint and Vulgate make a very material addition to this verse: Καιμεσοντηςχωραςαυτηςανεφυεσινμυες·καιεγενετοσυγχυσιςθανατουμεγαληεντηπολει; Et ebullierunt villae et agri in medio regionis illius; et nati sunt mures, et facta est confusio mortis magnae in civitate: "And the cities and fields of all that region burst up, and mice were produced, and there was the confusion of a great death in the city." This addition Houbigant contends was originally in the Hebrew text; and this gives us the reason why golden mice were sent, as well as the images of the emerods, (1 Samuel 6:4), when the ark was restored.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:6

6. But the hand of the Lord] Rather, And. “The hand of the Lord” = the putting forth of His might. Chastisement now overtook the people as well as the god. he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods] A double calamity fell upon them (1) Their land was ravaged by a plague of mice. The present Heb. text leaves this to be inferred from ch. 1 Samuel 6:5, but the Sept. inserts here “And mice sprang up in the midst of their land, and there was a very deadly destruction in the city.” This may be merely an inference from 1 Samuel 5:11 and 1 Samuel 6:5, but the numerous divergences of the Sept. from the existing Heb. text in chaps, 5 and 6 (making full allowance for obvious glosses and errors of transcription) seem to shew that the Greek translators employed a text which had not been subjected to the final revision which fixed our present Heb. text. (2) Their bodies were attacked by a loathsome and painful disease, either (a) emerods = haemorrhoids or bleeding piles; or more probably (b) boils, which are a characteristic symptom of the oriental plague. The latter explanation agrees better with the infectiousness and fatality of the scourge. the coasts thereof] = the borders thereof. Coast is derived from costa, a rib, or side, and originally meant any border or frontier-line, not the sea-line only, cp. Joshua 1:4.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 5:6

Emerods - A corruption of “hemorrhoids.” It is mentioned Deuteronomy 28:27 among the diseases with which God threatened to punish the Israelites for disobedience.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:6

6. Hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod — Not only did Dagon suffer shame, but the persons and lands of his worshippers were visited with plagues.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:6

SermonDescription
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 78 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the journey of the Israelites in the desert, highlighting their ungratefulness towards God despite His blessings and the consequences of their disobedi
David Ravenhill Spiritual Warfare by David Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of submission in various areas of life. He starts by emphasizing the need for children to obey their parents, as they are the
C.H. Spurgeon Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignoran
Robert Wurtz II God Is Still a Consuming Fire by Robert Wurtz II Robert Wurtz II delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing that our God is still a consuming fire, drawing parallels between the consequences of sin in the Old and New Covenants. He hi
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