1 Samuel 5:9

But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD's hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.

Study Bible

But after they had moved it
This phrase refers to the movement of the Ark of the Covenant, which had been captured by the Philistines. The Ark, representing God's presence, was moved from Ashdod to Gath. The Hebrew root for "moved" (נָשָׂא, nasa) implies a physical carrying or lifting, indicating the Philistines' attempt to control or manipulate the divine presence. Historically, this reflects the Philistines' misunderstanding of the Ark's sacredness, treating it as a mere trophy of war rather than the holy symbol of the God of Israel.

the hand of the LORD
In Hebrew, "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes power or action. Here, it signifies God's active intervention. The "hand of the LORD" is a recurring biblical motif representing divine judgment or deliverance. In this context, it underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to assert His will against those who oppose Him, regardless of their earthly power.

was against the city
The city in question is Gath, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. The phrase indicates a direct divine opposition to the city, highlighting the futility of human efforts against God's will. Historically, this serves as a reminder of the Philistines' continued defiance and the consequences of their actions against God's chosen people.

causing a great panic
The Hebrew word for "panic" (מְהוּמָה, mehumah) conveys chaos and confusion. This divine-induced panic reflects the fear and disorder that ensued among the Philistines, illustrating the psychological impact of God's judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

He afflicted the men of the city
The affliction is a direct result of divine judgment. The Hebrew verb "afflicted" (נָכָה, nakah) implies a striking or smiting, indicating a severe and intentional act by God. This demonstrates God's ability to humble the proud and bring low those who exalt themselves against Him.

both young and old
This phrase emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of God's judgment. It affected all demographics, underscoring the totality of the divine response to sin. It serves as a sobering reminder that God's justice is comprehensive and impartial.

with an outbreak of tumors
The Hebrew term for "tumors" (עֳפָלִים, ophalim) is often associated with painful swellings or boils. This physical affliction was a tangible sign of God's displeasure and a direct consequence of the Philistines' actions. Archaeologically, there is evidence of similar afflictions in ancient times, which adds historical credibility to the biblical account. This serves as a powerful testament to the reality of divine retribution and the seriousness of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and had captured the Ark of the Covenant.

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

3. The City of Gath
One of the five major Philistine cities where the Ark was taken, and where God’s judgment was manifested.

4. The Hand of the LORD
A biblical expression indicating God's power and judgment.

5. Tumors
Physical afflictions sent by God as a sign of His displeasure and judgment upon the Philistines.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and His judgments are just and purposeful.

The Presence of God
The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's holy presence, which cannot be manipulated or treated lightly.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience and irreverence towards God lead to serious consequences, as seen in the afflictions upon the Philistines.

God's Power Over Idols
The Philistines' gods were powerless before the true God, reminding us of the futility of idolatry.

Repentance and Humility
The afflictions serve as a call to repentance and recognition of God's authority and holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Ark in Philistine territory demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways does the account of the Philistines' affliction challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's judgment on the Philistines to our own lives in terms of reverence and obedience to God?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that people might place before God, and how can we ensure we are not doing the same?

5. How does this passage encourage us to respond to God's discipline in our lives, and what other scriptures support this response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:3
This verse describes a plague sent by God upon Egypt, showing a parallel in how God uses plagues to demonstrate His power and judgment.

Deuteronomy 28:27
This passage lists the curses that would come upon Israel if they disobeyed God, including tumors, showing a consistency in how God uses physical afflictions as a form of judgment.

Acts 12:23
This New Testament account of Herod being struck down by an angel of the Lord for not giving glory to God parallels the theme of divine judgment.