Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, often causing discomfort, itching, and bleeding. In the context of the Bible, hemorrhoids are mentioned in relation to divine judgment and punishment.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to hemorrhoids is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the account of the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant. After capturing the Ark from the Israelites, the Philistines experienced a series of calamities as divine retribution for their actions. One of these afflictions was the outbreak of hemorrhoids.

1. 1 Samuel 5:6-12 : The Lord's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, bringing devastation and afflicting them with tumors. The term "tumors" in this passage is often understood to refer to hemorrhoids. The affliction was severe, leading to widespread panic and suffering among the Philistines. The Ark was subsequently moved from city to city, but the same affliction followed, prompting the Philistines to return the Ark to Israel.

2. 1 Samuel 6:4-5 : In an attempt to appease the God of Israel and rid themselves of the affliction, the Philistines crafted golden images of the tumors and mice that were ravaging their land. They sent these as a guilt offering along with the Ark, hoping to be healed and to understand why the Lord's hand was against them.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of hemorrhoids in the Bible serves as a vivid illustration of God's power and the consequences of disrespecting the sacred. The affliction of the Philistines underscores the holiness of the Ark of the Covenant and the seriousness of treating it with reverence. It also highlights the sovereignty of God over all nations, demonstrating that His judgments are not limited to Israel but extend to all peoples who act against His will.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, physical ailments were often interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or punishment. The Philistines' response to their affliction—crafting golden images as a guilt offering—reflects their understanding of appeasing deities through tangible offerings. This practice was common in polytheistic cultures, where physical representations of ailments or offenses were used in rituals to seek healing or forgiveness.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The narrative of hemorrhoids in the Bible serves as a moral lesson on the importance of respecting what is holy and the dangers of pride and arrogance. The Philistines' initial triumph in capturing the Ark quickly turned to suffering, illustrating that material success does not equate to divine favor. The account encourages humility and reverence for God's commands and sacred objects.

In summary, the biblical account of hemorrhoids is a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the importance of approaching Him with respect and humility. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding divine authority and the need for repentance and restitution when one has transgressed.(n.) Painfully dilated veins in swollen anal tissue; livid and painful swellings formed by the dilation of the blood vessels around the margin of, or within, the anus, from which blood or mucus is occasionally discharged; piles; emerods.Piles (10 Occurrences)
... (n. pl.) The small, troublesome tumors or swellings about the anus and lower part
of the rectum which are technically called hemorrhoids. See Hemorrhoids. ...
/p/piles.htm - 9k

Hemorrhoids (5 Occurrences)
...Hemorrhoids (5 Occurrences). ... (DBY). 1 Samuel 5:12 and the men that died not were
smitten with the hemorrhoids; and the cry of the city went up to heaven. (DBY). ...
/h/hemorrhoids.htm - 8k

Emerods (8 Occurrences)
... The older writers supposed by comparison of the account in 1 Samuel with Psalm
78:66 that they were hemorrhoids (or piles), and the older English term in the ...
/e/emerods.htm - 11k

Panic (22 Occurrences)
... it about, the hand of Jehovah was against the city with very great panic; and he
smote the men of the city, both small and great, and hemorrhoids broke out ...
/p/panic.htm - 12k

Hemorrhage (5 Occurrences)

/h/hemorrhage.htm - 7k

Hems (4 Occurrences)

/h/hems.htm - 7k

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