1 samuel 5:6 - But Yahweh’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.
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What does "1 samuel 5:6" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 5:6 describes the consequences the people of Ashdod (a Philistine city) faced after they took the Ark of the Covenant of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"But Yahweh's hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod...": This indicates that God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God) was actively intervening and causing suffering to the people of Ashdod. The phrase "heavy hand" is a metaphor for divine punishment or affliction.
"...and he destroyed them...": This is a general statement that some of the people of Ashdod died, or that the city experienced general destruction and ruin.
"...and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.": This describes a specific affliction that plagued the people: tumors. The fact that it affected "Ashdod and its borders" means the problem was widespread, impacting the entire region controlled by the city. The Hebrew word used for "tumors" is sometimes interpreted differently. Some scholars believe it refers to bubonic plague (as tumors of the lymph nodes were a symptom of it), or hemorrhoids. Whatever the precise ailment, it was clearly a painful and debilitating affliction.
In essence, the verse portrays God as punishing the Philistines of Ashdod with death and a painful disease after they took the Ark of the Covenant.
Significance and Context:
Power of God: The passage highlights the power of God and His ability to protect what is sacred to Him (the Ark). It emphasizes the consequences of disrespecting or mishandling what belongs to God.
Conflict between Israelites and Philistines: This event is part of the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The capture of the Ark by the Philistines was a perceived victory for them, but God's actions demonstrate that they cannot truly overcome Him.
Divine Retribution: The story serves as an example of divine retribution, where God punishes those who go against Him or His people.
Theological Message: The story is part of the theological narrative of the Bible, showing God's sovereignty, His protection of His people, and the consequences of disobedience.
In summary, 1 Samuel 5:6 describes the divine punishment inflicted upon the people of Ashdod for taking the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating God's power and the consequences of disrespecting Him.
1 samuel 5:6 - But Yahweh’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.
What does "1 samuel 5:6" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 5:6 describes the consequences the people of Ashdod (a Philistine city) faced after they took the Ark of the Covenant of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"But Yahweh's hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod...": This indicates that God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God) was actively intervening and causing suffering to the people of Ashdod. The phrase "heavy hand" is a metaphor for divine punishment or affliction.
"...and he destroyed them...": This is a general statement that some of the people of Ashdod died, or that the city experienced general destruction and ruin.
"...and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.": This describes a specific affliction that plagued the people: tumors. The fact that it affected "Ashdod and its borders" means the problem was widespread, impacting the entire region controlled by the city. The Hebrew word used for "tumors" is sometimes interpreted differently. Some scholars believe it refers to bubonic plague (as tumors of the lymph nodes were a symptom of it), or hemorrhoids. Whatever the precise ailment, it was clearly a painful and debilitating affliction.
In essence, the verse portrays God as punishing the Philistines of Ashdod with death and a painful disease after they took the Ark of the Covenant.
Significance and Context:
Power of God: The passage highlights the power of God and His ability to protect what is sacred to Him (the Ark). It emphasizes the consequences of disrespecting or mishandling what belongs to God.
Conflict between Israelites and Philistines: This event is part of the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The capture of the Ark by the Philistines was a perceived victory for them, but God's actions demonstrate that they cannot truly overcome Him.
Divine Retribution: The story serves as an example of divine retribution, where God punishes those who go against Him or His people.
Theological Message: The story is part of the theological narrative of the Bible, showing God's sovereignty, His protection of His people, and the consequences of disobedience.
In summary, 1 Samuel 5:6 describes the divine punishment inflicted upon the people of Ashdod for taking the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating God's power and the consequences of disrespecting Him.