What does 1 Samuel 5:9 mean?
"And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts." - 1 Samuel 5:9
The verse from 1 Samuel 5:9 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts."
This verse is part of a larger section in the Bible that deals with the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred vessel that contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments and was considered the dwelling place of God. In this particular passage, the Philistines had captured the Ark from the Israelites and taken it to the city of Ashdod. However, the Philistines soon began to suffer from a series of plagues that were directly attributed to their possession of the Ark.
The verse under consideration describes the aftermath of the Philistines moving the Ark from city to city. After taking it to various locations, they found that the hand of the Lord was against them, and great destruction befell the cities. The men of the city, regardless of their status or position, were afflicted with "emerods" in their secret parts.
This particular passage contains several themes and symbols that are worth exploring. One of the main themes is the power and sovereignty of God. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as all-powerful and just, and this verse serves as a reminder of His ability to bring about destruction on those who oppose Him. It also highlights the consequences of disobedience and the severity of God's judgment.
The symbolism of the "emerods" is significant as well. The term "emerods" is a somewhat archaic word for hemorrhoids, which would have been a painful and humiliating affliction. This can be seen as a symbol of the physical and spiritual suffering that can result from disobedience and sin. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying God and His will.
The context of this verse is also important to consider. The Philistines were a constant threat to the Israelites, and the capture of the Ark was a significant blow to the Israelite's sense of national identity and faith. This passage serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and His ability to protect and defend His people, even in the face of great odds.
Overall, 1 Samuel 5:9 is a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring and obeying God. It serves as a warning against defying His will and a testament to His power and authority. Additionally, it offers a powerful example of the symbolism and themes that are prevalent throughout the Bible, making it a significant and meaningful verse in the larger context of the scripture.
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1 Samuel 5:9 - "And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts."
"And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts." - 1 Samuel 5:9
2 Samuel 5:9 - "So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward."
1 Samuel 5: 3-4
1 Samuel 9:5 - "And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us."
1 Samuel 9:1-2
1 Samuel 9:15 - "¶ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"
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2 Samuel 9:5 - "¶ Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar."
1 Samuel 9:25 - "¶ And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house."
1 Samuel 7:5 - "And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 9:18 - "Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is."
1 Samuel 18:9 - "And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
1 Samuel 15:5 - "And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley."
1 Samuel 5:1 - "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod."
1 Samuel 9:17 - "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
1 Samuel 9:14 - "And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place."
1 Samuel 9:23 - "And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee."
1 Samuel 5:5 - "Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day."
1 Samuel 9:26 - "And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad."
"So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward." - 2 Samuel 5:9
1 Samuel 16:9 - "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
1 Samuel 9:22 - "And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons."
1 Samuel 3:9 - "Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place."
1 Samuel 28:5 - "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled."
1 Samuel 5:12 - "And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."
1 Samuel 5:2 - "When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon."
1 Chronicles 9:5 - "And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons."
1 Samuel 10:9 - "¶ And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day."