This verse from 1 Samuel 5:12 is part of the account of the Philistines suffering after capturing the Ark of the Covenant from the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"The men who didn’t die were struck with the tumors;" This is a graphic depiction of the suffering inflicted upon the Philistines. Many had already died (as indicated in previous verses). Those who survived were afflicted with "tumors." The Hebrew word for "tumors" is often translated as "hemorrhoids" or "buboes." This suggests a painful and debilitating illness, likely an epidemic. Some scholars believe this may have been bubonic plague, carried by rodents, which were also mentioned in other versions (such as the King James Version) where the Philistines crafted golden "mice" or "rats" as part of their appeasement offering.
"and the cry of the city went up to heaven." This describes the widespread distress and anguish caused by the plague. The "cry of the city" represents the collective suffering, pain, and lament of the people affected. The phrase "went up to heaven" implies that their cries were heard by God (who, in the Israelite worldview, was the cause of their affliction due to their possession of the Ark). It emphasizes the severity of the situation and the desperation of the people.
In essence, this verse highlights the devastating consequences the Philistines experienced as a result of possessing the Ark of the Covenant. It portrays a scene of death, disease, and overwhelming suffering, suggesting God's power and judgment upon those who opposed him or possessed the Ark unlawfully (in the context of the Israelite narrative).
This verse from 1 Samuel 5:12 is part of the account of the Philistines suffering after capturing the Ark of the Covenant from the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"The men who didn’t die were struck with the tumors;" This is a graphic depiction of the suffering inflicted upon the Philistines. Many had already died (as indicated in previous verses). Those who survived were afflicted with "tumors." The Hebrew word for "tumors" is often translated as "hemorrhoids" or "buboes." This suggests a painful and debilitating illness, likely an epidemic. Some scholars believe this may have been bubonic plague, carried by rodents, which were also mentioned in other versions (such as the King James Version) where the Philistines crafted golden "mice" or "rats" as part of their appeasement offering.
"and the cry of the city went up to heaven." This describes the widespread distress and anguish caused by the plague. The "cry of the city" represents the collective suffering, pain, and lament of the people affected. The phrase "went up to heaven" implies that their cries were heard by God (who, in the Israelite worldview, was the cause of their affliction due to their possession of the Ark). It emphasizes the severity of the situation and the desperation of the people.
In essence, this verse highlights the devastating consequences the Philistines experienced as a result of possessing the Ark of the Covenant. It portrays a scene of death, disease, and overwhelming suffering, suggesting God's power and judgment upon those who opposed him or possessed the Ark unlawfully (in the context of the Israelite narrative).