1 Samuel 6:5

Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land. Give glory to the God of Israel, and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land.

Study Bible

Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are ravaging the land.
In the ancient Near East, it was common to create representations of afflictions as part of a ritual to appease deities. The Philistines, who had captured the Ark of the Covenant, were suffering from a plague that included tumors and an infestation of rats. This directive to make images reflects their attempt to acknowledge the power of the God of Israel and seek relief. The use of images in this context contrasts with the Israelite prohibition against idolatry, highlighting the Philistines' pagan practices. The mention of rats suggests a connection to the bubonic plague, as rats are known carriers of the disease.

Give glory to the God of Israel,
The Philistines are instructed to honor the God of Israel, recognizing His supremacy and power. This acknowledgment is significant as it comes from a pagan nation that had previously defeated Israel in battle. Giving glory to God involves recognizing His authority and submitting to His will, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. This act of giving glory is a form of repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, similar to how Nebuchadnezzar eventually glorifies God in Daniel 4:34-37.

and perhaps He will lift His hand from you and your gods and your land.
The phrase "lift His hand" refers to the removal of divine judgment or punishment. The Philistines hope that by honoring God, He will cease the afflictions plaguing them. This reflects a common biblical theme where repentance and acknowledgment of God lead to mercy and relief from judgment, as seen in the story of Nineveh in Jonah 3. The mention of "your gods" indicates that the Philistines' deities were also affected, underscoring the impotence of their idols compared to the God of Israel. The land's suffering highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting both people and the environment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philistines
A group of people who captured the Ark of the Covenant and experienced plagues as a result.

2. Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest representing God's presence, captured by the Philistines.

3. God of Israel
The one true God, whose power and glory are acknowledged even by the Philistines.

4. Tumors and Rats
Physical afflictions sent by God as a judgment upon the Philistines for taking the Ark.

5. Land of the Philistines
The region suffering from the plagues due to the presence of the Ark.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
The Philistines' decision to give glory to the God of Israel highlights the importance of recognizing God's supreme authority in our lives.

Repentance and Restoration
The act of making images of tumors and rats symbolizes an attempt at repentance. We should seek to make amends and turn back to God when we stray.

Consequences of Disobedience
The plagues serve as a reminder that disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, urging us to live in obedience to His commands.

God's Glory Over Idols
The Philistines' experience underscores the futility of idol worship and the necessity of worshiping the one true God.

Intercession and Relief
The hope that God might lighten His hand upon them suggests the power of intercession and seeking God's mercy in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Philistines' response to the plagues reflect their understanding of the God of Israel, and what can we learn from their actions about acknowledging God's power in our lives?

2. In what ways do the plagues experienced by the Philistines parallel the plagues in Egypt, and what does this teach us about God's consistent nature?

3. How can we apply the concept of giving glory to God in our daily lives, especially in situations where we might be tempted to rely on our own strength or idols?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that might distract us from fully worshiping God, and how can we ensure that we are giving Him the glory He deserves?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced consequences for disobedience. How did that situation lead you to repentance and a deeper understanding of God's mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7-12
The plagues of Egypt, where God demonstrated His power over the Egyptian gods, similar to how He showed His power over the Philistine gods.

1 Samuel 5
The preceding chapter details the capture of the Ark and the initial plagues, providing context for the events in 1 Samuel 6.

Isaiah 42:8
God declares His glory and refuses to share it with idols, paralleling the Philistines' acknowledgment of His power.

Acts 12:23
Herod's death for not giving glory to God, illustrating the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty.