1 Samuel 5:6
But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.
1 Samuel 5:6 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof," is found in the book of 1 Samuel 5:6. This verse speaks of the punishment that the people of Ashdod faced as a consequence of their disobedience to God. The term "emerods" is often interpreted as hemorrhoids or tumors that afflicted the people of Ashdod. This verse serves as a reminder of the power and authority of the Lord, and the consequences that come with disobeying His commandments. It highlights the importance of following God's will and the repercussions that may follow if one strays from His path. The destruction of Ashdod and its people symbolizes the judgment that God can bring upon those who do not honor Him. Overall, this verse serves as a lesson on the importance of obedience and the consequences of defying the will of the Lord.
Theological Overview
The verse from 1 Samuel 5:6 describes the consequences faced by the Philistines in the city of Ashdod after they captured the Ark of the Covenant. The phrase "the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod" indicates that God's judgment and wrath were being poured out on the people for their disobedience and mistreatment of the sacred object. The word "emerods" used in this verse refers to painful swellings or tumors that afflicted the Philistines as a punishment from God. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting God's presence and the symbols of His covenant. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His ability to execute judgment on those who defy His will. Through this punishment, God demonstrated His power and authority over all nations, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of reverence towards God and His commandments.
1 Samuel 5:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
But the hand of Jehovah was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with tumors, even Ashdod and the borders thereof.
World English Bible
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.
Douay-Rheims
And the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the Azotians, and he destroyed them, and afflicted Azotus and the coasts thereof with emerods. And in the villages and fields in the midst of that country, there came forth a multitude of mice, and there was the confusion of a great mortality in the city.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the hand of the Lord was heauie vpon them of Ashdod, and destroyed them, and smote them with the emerods, both Ashdod, and the coastes thereof.