1 Samuel 6:18
And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.
1 Samuel 6:18 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse 'And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.' from 1 Samuel 6:18 describes the aftermath of the Philistines returning the ark of the Lord to the Israelites. The Philistines made golden mice as a guilt offering for stealing the ark and afflicting them with plagues. The number of golden mice was determined by the number of cities they ruled. The stone of Abel mentioned in the verse is a significant location where the ark was placed when it was returned. This stone remained in the field of Joshua the Bethshemite as a memorial of this event. This verse highlights the consequences of disobedience and the power of the Lord in bringing about justice and restoration.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Samuel 6:18 revolves around the significance of the golden mice and the great stone of Abel. The golden mice were created as part of a guilt offering by the Philistines to make amends for their mistreatment of the Israelites and their disrespect towards the Ark of the Lord. The number of golden mice corresponds to the number of cities belonging to the five Philistine lords, symbolizing the widespread impact of their sin. The great stone of Abel, where the Ark was placed, is a reminder of God's presence and power over all nations, as it remained untouched and undisputed until the time the book of Samuel was written. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, showcasing His ability to hold all people accountable for their actions regardless of their status or power.
1 Samuel 6:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even unto the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Jehovah, [which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite.
World English Bible
and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the great stone, whereon they set down Yahweh’s ark. That stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.
Douay-Rheims
And the golden mice, according to the number of the cities of the Philistines, of the five provinces, from the fenced city to the village that was without wall, and to the great Abel (the stone) whereon they set down the ark of the Lord, which was till that day in the field of Josue the Bethsamite.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And golden mise, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistims, belonging to the fiue princes, both of walled townes, and of townes vnwalled, vnto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set the Arke of the Lord: which stone remaineth vnto this day in the fielde of Ioshua the Beth-shemite.