1 Samuel 6:17

As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

Study Bible

As a guilt offering to the LORD
The Philistines, recognizing the power of the God of Israel, sought to appease Him with a guilt offering. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of offering gifts to deities to atone for offenses. The concept of a guilt offering is also found in Leviticus 5:14-19, where it is prescribed for unintentional sins. This act by the Philistines acknowledges the sovereignty of the LORD over all nations, not just Israel.

the Philistines had sent back
The Philistines, after suffering plagues, decided to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. This decision was influenced by their priests and diviners, who advised them to send a guilt offering along with the Ark (1 Samuel 6:2-3). This action demonstrates their fear and respect for the God of Israel, despite being a pagan nation.

one gold tumor for each city
The gold tumors were symbolic representations of the plagues that afflicted the Philistines. The use of gold signifies the value and seriousness of the offering. The tumors, along with gold rats (1 Samuel 6:4), were crafted to represent the specific afflictions sent by God, showing an understanding of the need for a tangible representation of their guilt.

Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron
These were the five principal cities of the Philistine pentapolis, each ruled by its own lord. Ashdod was known for its temple of Dagon, where the Ark was initially placed (1 Samuel 5:1-2). Gaza, a major city, is often mentioned in the context of Samson (Judges 16:1-3). Ashkelon was a significant trade center. Gath is famously known as the home of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4). Ekron was the last city to host the Ark before it was returned (1 Samuel 5:10). The inclusion of all five cities underscores the widespread impact of the plagues and the collective acknowledgment of the LORD's power by the Philistine confederation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philistines
A group of people who were adversaries of Israel and had captured the Ark of the Covenant. They experienced plagues as a result of possessing the Ark.

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with Israel. Its capture and return are central to this account.

3. Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron
Five major cities of the Philistines, each represented by a gold tumor as part of the guilt offering to the LORD.

4. Guilt Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for sin or guilt. In this context, it was made by the Philistines to appease the God of Israel.

5. Plagues
The afflictions that struck the Philistines, prompting them to return the Ark with offerings to seek relief.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Holiness
The account underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His holiness, which demands reverence and respect.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Philistines' experience serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and mishandling sacred things.

Repentance and Restoration
The Philistines' guilt offering illustrates the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking restoration with God.

Symbolism of the Guilt Offering
The gold tumors symbolize the Philistines' acknowledgment of God's power and their desire to make amends.

God's Mercy
Despite their initial defiance, the Philistines' eventual submission and offering highlight God's willingness to forgive and restore.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways do the plagues experienced by the Philistines parallel the plagues in Egypt, and what can we learn from these parallels about God's power and judgment?

3. How does the concept of a guilt offering in Leviticus help us understand the actions of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 6:17?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' eventual decision to return the Ark and make a guilt offering, and how can these lessons apply to our own lives?

5. How does this passage challenge us to consider the ways we handle the sacred aspects of our faith, and what steps can we take to ensure we are honoring God appropriately?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The plagues in Egypt parallel the plagues experienced by the Philistines, demonstrating God's power and judgment.

Leviticus 5
Discusses the concept of guilt offerings, providing a background for understanding the Philistines' actions.

1 Samuel 5
Details the events leading up to the return of the Ark, including the plagues that afflicted the Philistines.