1 Samuel 6:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The record names the five golden tumors sent as a guilt offering, one each from the five chief Philistine cities.
What Does 1 Samuel 6:17 Mean?
The narrative pauses to record the offering for memory's sake, listing the five golden tumors and the cities that sent them: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, the great strongholds of Philistia. Each city that had felt the LORD's hand contributed its token, so the offering stood as a public confession from the whole Philistine confederacy.
Naming each city makes the confession concrete; this was no vague gesture but an accounting from every center of Philistine power. Scripture often preserves such details so the deeds of God are remembered accurately by those who come after. That the proudest cities of Israel's enemies each acknowledged the LORD testifies that His dominion reaches beyond His own people to the whole earth.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 6:17
What does 1 Samuel 6:17 mean?
The record names the five golden tumors sent as a guilt offering, one each from the five chief Philistine cities.