In the biblical context, tumors are mentioned primarily in the Old Testament, specifically in relation to divine judgment and punishment. The most notable reference to tumors is found in the narrative concerning the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel.

1 Samuel 5:6-12: The account describes how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and brought it to the city of Ashdod. The presence of the Ark in their midst led to a series of calamities. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Now the hand of the LORD was heavy upon the people of Ashdod, and He devastated them and afflicted them with tumors—both Ashdod and its territory" (1 Samuel 5:6). The affliction of tumors was a direct result of the Philistines' disrespect and mishandling of the sacred Ark, symbolizing God's presence and holiness.

The narrative continues to describe how the Philistines moved the Ark from city to city, and in each location, the people were struck with tumors. The severity of the affliction led the Philistines to recognize the power of the God of Israel, prompting them to return the Ark to the Israelites. In 1 Samuel 6:4-5, the Philistines decide to send a guilt offering along with the Ark, consisting of "five gold tumors and five gold rats, according to the number of the Philistine rulers, because the same plague had struck both you and your rulers" . This act was an acknowledgment of their wrongdoing and an attempt to appease the God of Israel.

Theological Implications: The affliction of tumors in this context serves as a manifestation of divine judgment. It underscores the holiness of God and the serious consequences of defying or disrespecting His commands and sacred objects. The narrative illustrates the belief that God actively intervenes in human affairs, particularly to uphold His honor and the sanctity of His covenant with Israel.

Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical symbolism, physical ailments such as tumors can represent spiritual corruption or moral decay. The affliction of the Philistines can be seen as a physical manifestation of their spiritual state, having opposed the will of God. The use of gold tumors as a guilt offering further emphasizes the need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, diseases and physical afflictions were often viewed as direct punishments from deities. The biblical account aligns with this cultural understanding, portraying the God of Israel as sovereign over all nations and capable of enacting judgment beyond the borders of Israel.

Modern Reflections: While the specific affliction of tumors as divine punishment is not a common theme in contemporary Christian thought, the underlying principles of God's holiness, justice, and the need for repentance remain central. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence for God and the consequences of disobedience.

In summary, the biblical references to tumors highlight the themes of divine judgment, the holiness of God, and the necessity of repentance and atonement. These themes continue to resonate within the broader narrative of Scripture, emphasizing the relationship between God and humanity.1 Samuel 5:6
But the hand of the LORD was heavy on them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with tumors, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you:
Topicalbible.org

2914. techor -- tumors (a result of dysentery)
... 2913, 2914. techor. 2915 . tumors (a result of dysentery). Transliteration:
techor Phonetic Spelling: (tekh-ore') Short Definition: tumors. ...
/hebrew/2914.htm - 6k

6076b. ophel -- a tumor
... ophel. 6077 . a tumor. Transliteration: ophel Short Definition: tumors. Word Origin
from aphal Definition a tumor NASB Word Usage tumors (6). 6076a, 6076b. ...
/hebrew/6076b.htm - 5k

Gentleness.
... People go to a hospital and by a scientific operation have abscesses and
tumors removed from the stomach and other internal parts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/gentleness.htm

John xxi. 15
... ( Luke 19:9.) For as in the case of tumors, [2639] and fistulous ulcers, [2640]
if one stay not first the discharge which runs over and inflames the wound, how ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxviii john xxi 15.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... A GRATEFUL TRIBUTE. "For a long time I have been the subject of personal
affliction, caused by two internal tumors of the worst type. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... from me. I have been entirely well from that time; not only cured of catarrh,
but tumors on my limbs were entirely removed. I desire ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

Tumors (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tumors (8 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 28:27 Yahweh
will strike you with the boil of Egypt, and with the tumors...
/t/tumors.htm - 9k

Mice (5 Occurrences)
... 26:22; Jeremiah 36:12)): The word occurs in the list of unclean "creeping things"
(Leviticus 11:29), in the account of the golden mice and tumors (the King ...
/m/mice.htm - 10k

Rats (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:4 Then they said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall
return to him?" They said, "Five golden tumors, and five golden mice ...
/r/rats.htm - 8k

Likenesses (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:5 Therefore you shall make images of your tumors, and images of your
mice that mar the land; and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: perhaps ...
/l/likenesses.htm - 7k

Emerods (8 Occurrences)
... `Ophalim literally means rounded eminences or swellings, and in the Revised Version
(British and American) is translated "tumors" (1 Samuel 5:6-12). ...
/e/emerods.htm - 11k

Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)
... One of the golden tumors (the King James Version "emerods") sent back with
the ark by the Philistines was from Ashkelon (1 Samuel 6:17). ...
/a/ashkelon.htm - 13k

Ashdod (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 5:6 But the hand of Yahweh was heavy on them of Ashdod, and he destroyed
them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders. ...
/a/ashdod.htm - 17k

Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences)
... And they said, Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, 'according to' the number
of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your ...
/t/trespass-offering.htm - 18k

Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences)
... And they said, Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number
of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your ...
/g/guilt-offering.htm - 17k

Trespass (101 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 6:4 Then they said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall
return to him?" They said, "Five golden tumors, and five golden mice ...
/t/trespass.htm - 44k

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