1 Samuel 5:12
Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.
Those who did not die
This phrase indicates a distinction between two groups of people affected by the divine judgment. The Hebrew root here suggests a remnant or survivors, emphasizing God's selective judgment. Historically, this reflects the severity of God's wrath upon the Philistines for capturing the Ark of the Covenant. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of opposing His will.

were afflicted with tumors
The Hebrew word for "tumors" is often associated with painful swellings or boils. This affliction was a direct result of the Philistines' disrespect for the sacred Ark. Archaeological findings suggest that such diseases were not uncommon in ancient times, but the specificity here points to a supernatural cause. This serves as a testament to God's power to protect His holiness and the seriousness of His covenant with Israel.

and the outcry of the city
The "outcry" signifies a loud lament or plea for relief, indicating the severity of the suffering. In the Hebrew context, an outcry often reaches God, suggesting a desperate appeal for divine intervention. This reflects the Philistines' recognition, albeit reluctantly, of the power of the God of Israel. It underscores the universal acknowledgment of God's authority, even among those who do not worship Him.

went up to heaven
This phrase illustrates the direction of the outcry, symbolizing a plea reaching the divine realm. In biblical literature, heaven is often depicted as God's dwelling place, and the imagery here suggests that the cries of the Philistines were heard by God. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence and His ability to hear and respond to human suffering, even when it comes from those outside His covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and had captured the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Ashdod
One of the five major cities of the Philistines where the Ark was initially taken.

3. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with Israel.

4. Tumors
Physical afflictions sent by God as a judgment upon the Philistines for capturing the Ark.

5. Outcry to Heaven
The desperate plea of the Philistines as they suffered under God's judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and His judgments are just and purposeful.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disregarding God's holiness and commands can lead to severe consequences, as seen with the Philistines' afflictions.

The Power of Prayer and Outcry
Even those who do not know God can recognize His power and cry out in desperation, pointing to the universal need for divine intervention.

Respect for the Sacred
The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence, and mishandling it led to dire consequences, teaching us to respect what is sacred.

Repentance and Restoration
The Philistines' eventual decision to return the Ark shows a recognition of God's power and a step towards making amends.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the experience of the Philistines with the Ark of the Covenant demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the afflictions of the Philistines and the plagues of Egypt?

3. What lessons can we learn about the importance of respecting what is sacred in our own lives?

4. How can the outcry of the Philistines serve as a reminder of the power of prayer, even from those who do not fully know God?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God and avoiding the consequences of disobedience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 9:8-12
The plagues of Egypt, where God used physical afflictions to demonstrate His power and judgment.

1 Samuel 6:1-9
The continuation of the account where the Philistines decide to return the Ark to Israel, acknowledging God's power.

Revelation 16:10-11
The bowls of God's wrath, where people are afflicted and respond with outcry, similar to the Philistines' experience.
The Cry of the CityHomilist1 Samuel 5:12
The Ark Among the HeathenB. Dale 1 Samuel 5:1-12
People
Ashdodites, Dagon, Ekronites
Places
Ashdod, Ebenezer, Ekron, Gath
Topics
Afflicted, Cruelly, Cry, Death, Didn't, Die, Died, Diseased, Emerods, Heaven, Heavens, Hemorrhoids, Outcry, Overtaken, Smitten, Stricken, Struck, Town, Tumors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 5:1-12

     1105   God, power of

1 Samuel 5:6-12

     4843   plague
     7372   hands, laying on

Library
The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service.
In our examination of the nature and meaning of the Lord's Supper, we have found that it is indeed a most important and holy Sacrament. It is in fact the most sacred of all the ordinances of the Church on earth. There is nothing beyond it--nothing so heavenly, on this side heaven, as this Feast. Nowhere else does the believer approach so near to heaven as when he stands or kneels, as a communicant at this altar, the Holy of Holies in the Church of Christ. What a solemn act! To approach this altar,
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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