1 Samuel 5:9

But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD's hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.

Study Bible

But after they had moved the ark to Gath
The Philistines moved the Ark of the Covenant to Gath, one of their five major cities. Gath was known as a stronghold of the Philistines and is often associated with giants, such as Goliath. The movement of the Ark signifies the Philistines' attempt to control the power of Israel's God, not understanding its sacredness. This act reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of capturing religious symbols to demonstrate dominance over a conquered people.

the LORD’s hand was also against that city
The phrase "the LORD’s hand" indicates divine intervention and judgment. In biblical terms, God's hand often symbolizes His power and authority. The Philistines' experience with the Ark reveals that God's presence cannot be manipulated or contained by human efforts. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to act beyond human understanding or control.

throwing it into great confusion
The confusion in Gath can be seen as a divine disruption of social and civic order. This chaos is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God confounds human plans, such as the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The confusion underscores the futility of opposing God's will and the disorder that ensues when people attempt to usurp divine authority.

and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors
The affliction of tumors is a direct consequence of mishandling the Ark. The Hebrew term used here can also be translated as "hemorrhoids" or "plagues," suggesting a severe and humiliating physical ailment. This affliction parallels the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:9-11), serving as a divine warning and a call to repentance. The inclusion of "both young and old" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting all demographics within the city. This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption found in Christ, who bears the afflictions of humanity to bring healing and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and had captured the Ark of the Covenant.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with Israel.

3. The City of Gath
One of the five major Philistine cities where the Ark was taken, and where God’s judgment was manifested.

4. The Hand of the LORD
A biblical expression indicating God's power and judgment.

5. Tumors
Physical afflictions sent by God as a sign of His displeasure and judgment upon the Philistines.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and His judgments are just and purposeful.

The Presence of God
The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's holy presence, which cannot be manipulated or treated lightly.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience and irreverence towards God lead to serious consequences, as seen in the afflictions upon the Philistines.

God's Power Over Idols
The Philistines' gods were powerless before the true God, reminding us of the futility of idolatry.

Repentance and Humility
The afflictions serve as a call to repentance and recognition of God's authority and holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Ark in Philistine territory demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways does the account of the Philistines' affliction challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's judgment on the Philistines to our own lives in terms of reverence and obedience to God?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that people might place before God, and how can we ensure we are not doing the same?

5. How does this passage encourage us to respond to God's discipline in our lives, and what other scriptures support this response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:3
This verse describes a plague sent by God upon Egypt, showing a parallel in how God uses plagues to demonstrate His power and judgment.

Deuteronomy 28:27
This passage lists the curses that would come upon Israel if they disobeyed God, including tumors, showing a consistency in how God uses physical afflictions as a form of judgment.

Acts 12:23
This New Testament account of Herod being struck down by an angel of the Lord for not giving glory to God parallels the theme of divine judgment.