1 Samuel 6:5
Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.
1 Samuel 6:5 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, the phrase "images of your emerods" refers to making images or representations of the physical afflictions that the people of Philistia were suffering from. Emerods were likely hemorrhoids or some form of painful swellings which were a punishment from God for their mistreatment of the Ark of the Covenant. The command to also make images of the mice that were plaguing the land symbolizes the presence of rodents that were causing destruction and chaos in the region.
The purpose behind making these images was to acknowledge the power and authority of the God of Israel. By giving glory to Him through these representations, the people of Philistia were seeking his mercy and forgiveness in the hopes that he would alleviate their suffering and remove his hand from them, their idols, and their land. This act of humility and reverence demonstrated a willingness to recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel and turn away from their false gods in order to seek his favor and protection.
Theological Overview
This verse from 1 Samuel 6:5 discusses a unique situation where the Philistines, in an attempt to appease the God of Israel after encountering calamities, are advised to create images or representations of their afflictions - emerods (hemorrhoids) and mice. This was a common practice in ancient times, where people believed that by creating these images, they could transfer or banish the afflictions from themselves. However, the verse also highlights the importance of giving glory to the God of Israel, acknowledging His power and sovereignty over all things. By doing so, the Philistines hoped that God would remove His hand of judgment from them, their land, and their false gods. This verse demonstrates the complex theological beliefs and practices of different cultures at that time, as well as the recurring theme of God's supremacy and ability to bring about healing and deliverance.
1 Samuel 6:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Wherefore ye shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.
World English Bible
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 he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.
Douay-Rheims
According to the number of the provinces of the Philistines you shall make five golden emerods, and five golden mice: for the same plague hath been upon you all, and upon your lords. And you shall make the likeness of your emerods, and the likeness of the mice, that have destroyed the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: to see if he will take off his hand from you, and from your gods, and from your land.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore ye shall make the similitudes of your emerods, and the similitudes of your mise that destroy the land: so ye shall giue glory vnto the God of Israel, that he may take his hand from you, and from your gods, and from your land.