What does 1 Samuel 6:18 mean?
"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 Beth-shemite." - 1 Samuel 6:18
1 Samuel 6:18 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse is part of the story of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites. The Philistines had captured the ark in battle and, after suffering plagues and misfortunes, they decided to return it to the Israelites. They built a cart to carry the ark and sent it on its way with a guilt offering of five golden tumors and five golden mice. When the cart arrived in Beth-shemesh, the Israelites rejoiced at the return of the ark but made a fatal mistake of looking inside the ark, which resulted in the deaths of many of them.
The golden mice and tumors were symbolic offerings meant to appease the wrath of the God of the Israelites and to seek favor for the Philistines. The number five is significant in this context as it corresponds to the five rulers of the Philistines. The offering of golden mice was a reference to the plague of mice or rats that had afflicted the Philistines' land when they possessed the ark. In the ancient Near East, rodents were often associated with disease and destruction, making the gift of golden mice a fitting attempt to atone for their wrongdoing.
The mention of "the great stone of Abel" is significant as well. Abel was a city or location in Israel, and the great stone may have been a landmark near Beth-shemesh. It is described as the place where the Ark of the Lord was set down, and it is said to have remained there "unto this day," indicating the longevity and historical significance of this event.
This verse is rich in symbolism and carries several important themes. Firstly, it highlights the consequences of disobeying the commandments of God. The Israelites' improper handling of the Ark of the Covenant led to tragedy and death among their people. This reflects the idea of the sanctity and power of the Ark, as well as the need for reverence and obedience in the presence of God.
Secondly, the verse illustrates the idea of divine judgment and justice. The Philistines had acted in ignorance and sought to make amends for their actions through the offering of the golden mice and tumors. Their repentance and restitution showed a recognition of the power and authority of the God of the Israelites, and it resulted in the lifting of the afflictions that had befallen them. This demonstrates the biblical principle of repentance and forgiveness, wherein sincere penitence can lead to reconciliation with God.
Lastly, the verse serves as a historical marker, referencing a specific location and event that remained significant to the Israelites at the time of the writing. The inclusion of such geographical and historical details adds depth and authenticity to the biblical narrative, grounding it in a specific time and place.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 6:18 is a verse rich in symbolism and meaning, conveying important themes of obedience, judgment, repentance, and historical significance. It is a part of the larger narrative of the Ark of the Covenant and its return to the Israelites, serving as a reminder of the power and authority of God and the consequences of not revering Him properly.
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1 Samuel 6:18 - "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 Beth-shemite."
1 Samuel 6:18 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.
1 Samuel 6:18 (KJVA) 18 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.
"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 Beth-shemite." - 1 Samuel 6:18
1 Samuel 18:6 - "And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
1 Samuel 4:18
1 Samuel 4:18
1 Samuel 4:18
1 Samuel 30:18
2 Samuel 6:18 - "And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts."
1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."
1 Samuel 14:6
1 Samuel 19:18 - "¶ So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth."
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 8:6 - "¶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 6:1 - "And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months."
2 Samuel 6:14
1 Samuel 18:24 - "And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David."
1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."
1 Samuel 18:29 - "And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually."
1 Samuel 18:28 - "¶ And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."
1 Samuel 18:18 - "And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?"
1 Samuel 18:14 - "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him."
1 Samuel 6:17-18 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one; And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities
1 Samuel 3:18 - "And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good."