1 Samuel 6:4

"What guilt offering should we send back to Him?" asked the Philistines. "Five gold tumors and five gold rats," they said, "according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.

Study Bible

“What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines.
The Philistines, having captured the Ark of the Covenant, experienced severe plagues and sought to appease the God of Israel. The concept of a guilt offering, or trespass offering, is rooted in Levitical law (Leviticus 5:14-19), where it was used to atone for unintentional sins and offenses against God. The Philistines, though pagans, recognized the need to make amends for their transgression against the God of Israel, showing an understanding of divine retribution and the necessity of atonement.

“Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said,
The choice of gold tumors and rats as offerings directly correlates to the plagues that afflicted the Philistines. The tumors likely refer to the physical afflictions described in 1 Samuel 5:6-12, while the rats may symbolize the destruction of their land, possibly through disease or famine. Gold, a precious metal, signifies the value and seriousness of the offering. This act reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of creating votive offerings that represent the affliction or sin being atoned for.

“according to the number of rulers of the Philistines,”
The Philistines were organized into a pentapolis, consisting of five major city-states: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Each city was governed by a ruler or lord. The offering of five gold tumors and five gold rats corresponds to these five rulers, indicating a collective acknowledgment of guilt and a unified attempt to seek relief from the divine punishment affecting all their territories.

“since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.”
The plagues affected not only the common people but also the rulers, emphasizing the widespread nature of the divine judgment. This mirrors the biblical theme that God's judgment is impartial and affects all levels of society, as seen in other instances of divine retribution (e.g., the plagues of Egypt in Exodus 7-12). The acknowledgment of shared suffering underscores the Philistines' recognition of the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, compelling them to seek reconciliation through the prescribed guilt offering.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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

3. Five Philistine Rulers
Leaders of the five principal cities of the Philistines—Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

4. Gold Tumors and Rats
Objects made by the Philistines as a guilt offering to God, symbolizing the plagues that afflicted them.

5. Plague
A divine punishment that struck the Philistines, causing them to seek a way to appease the God of Israel.

Teaching Points

Understanding Guilt Offerings
The Philistines recognized their need to make amends for offending the God of Israel. This highlights the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking reconciliation.

Symbolism in Offerings
The choice of gold tumors and rats as offerings symbolizes the specific afflictions they experienced. This teaches us to be specific in our repentance and acknowledgment of sin.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The plagues demonstrate God's power over all nations, not just Israel. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation and His will prevails.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Philistines' experience serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing God's will. It encourages us to live in obedience to God's commands.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Philistines sought advice on how to appease God, showing the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Philistines' decision to send a guilt offering reveal about their understanding of the God of Israel?

2. How can the concept of a guilt offering in 1 Samuel 6:4 be applied to our lives today in terms of repentance and reconciliation?

3. In what ways does the account of the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

4. How does the symbolism of the gold tumors and rats relate to the specific challenges or sins we face in our own lives?

5. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' experience about the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The concept of plagues as divine judgment is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt, where God demonstrated His power and sovereignty.

Leviticus 5
Discusses the concept of guilt offerings, which were made to atone for unintentional sins and to restore a right relationship with God.

1 Samuel 5
Provides context for the events leading up to 1 Samuel 6:4, detailing the afflictions that came upon the Philistines after capturing the Ark.

Numbers 7
Describes offerings made to God, highlighting the importance of giving according to divine instruction.

Psalm 78
Reflects on the history of Israel, including their interactions with the Philistines, and God's deliverance.