Topical Encyclopedia The account of the plague on the Philistines is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel. This event highlights the power and holiness of the God of Israel, as well as the consequences of disrespecting the sacred.Context and Background The Philistines were a prominent group of people who frequently came into conflict with the Israelites. During the time of the judges, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented the presence of God among His people. This event is detailed in 1 Samuel 4-6. The Capture of the Ark The Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle and took the Ark of the Covenant to their city of Ashdod, placing it in the temple of their god Dagon. The presence of the Ark in the temple led to a series of divine judgments against the Philistines. The statue of Dagon fell before the Ark, and on the following day, it was found fallen again with its head and hands severed (1 Samuel 5:2-4). The Plague Following these events, the Lord afflicted the people of Ashdod and its vicinity with a severe plague. The Bible describes this affliction as "tumors" (1 Samuel 5:6), and many scholars suggest that it may have been a form of bubonic plague, possibly spread by rodents, as the text later mentions an infestation of mice (1 Samuel 6:4-5). The affliction was so severe that the people of Ashdod decided to send the Ark to another Philistine city, Gath. However, the same plague struck Gath, and subsequently, the city of Ekron experienced the same fate when the Ark was sent there (1 Samuel 5:8-12). Return of the Ark Recognizing the hand of the God of Israel against them, the Philistines sought counsel from their priests and diviners on how to return the Ark to Israel. They were advised to send it back with a guilt offering of five gold tumors and five gold mice, representing the five Philistine rulers and the plague that had struck them (1 Samuel 6:1-5). The Philistines placed the Ark on a new cart, along with the guilt offerings, and hitched it to two cows that had never been yoked. The cows, guided by the Lord, went straight to the Israelite town of Beth-shemesh, confirming to the Philistines that the plague had indeed been a divine judgment (1 Samuel 6:7-12). Significance The plague on the Philistines serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the respect due to His sacred objects. It underscores the belief that God is not to be trifled with and that His presence demands reverence. The event also illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, and His ability to defend His honor and sanctity without human intervention. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 6:4,5Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. Nave's Topical Index Library The Ark among the Philistines The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Samuel Joel The History of Saul Man's Misery by the Fall The Sound in the Mulberry Trees Is God in the Camp? Sovereignty of God in Administration Moab is My Washpot Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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