1 Samuel 5:11 Meaning and Explanation
“So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Philistine lords gather again and resolve to send the ark back to Israel, for a deadly affliction has fallen heavily on the city.
What Does 1 Samuel 5:11 Mean?
The lords assemble once more, and this time their decision is final: send the ark away, back to its own place, before it kills them. A deadly affliction has swept the city, and the hand of God lies very heavy upon it. The trophy they once paraded in triumph they now beg to be rid of.
The seven-month ordeal has taught the Philistines what their idols never could: the God of Israel is not theirs to keep, control, or contain. He has won a victory in enemy territory without a single Israelite raising a sword. Their longing to be free of Him is, in its own way, a witness — even those who reject the Lord end by confessing that His hand is real and His power supreme.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 5:11
What does 1 Samuel 5:11 mean?
The Philistine lords gather again and resolve to send the ark back to Israel, for a deadly affliction has fallen heavily on the city.