1 Samuel 6:4

"What guilt offering should we send back to Him?" asked the Philistines. "Five gold tumors and five gold rats," they said, "according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers.

Study Bible

What guilt offering should we send back to Him?”
The Philistines, having captured the Ark of the Covenant, are now seeking to appease the God of Israel due to the calamities that have befallen them. The term "guilt offering" in Hebrew is "אָשָׁם" (asham), which signifies a restitution or compensation for wrongdoing. This reflects the Philistines' recognition of their transgression against the God of Israel and their desire to make amends. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were a common practice to appease deities, indicating a universal understanding of divine justice and the need for reconciliation.

Five gold tumors and five gold rats,”
The choice of "gold tumors" and "gold rats" as offerings is deeply symbolic. The Hebrew word for "tumors" is "עֳפָלִים" (ophalim), which refers to the afflictions that plagued the Philistines. The use of gold, a precious metal, signifies the value and seriousness of the offering. The "rats" are mentioned in connection with the devastation of the land, possibly indicating a plague or infestation. This dual offering represents both the physical and environmental calamities experienced by the Philistines, acknowledging the comprehensive nature of their suffering and their earnest attempt to address it.

according to the number of the Philistine rulers
The Philistines were organized into a pentapolis, consisting of five major cities: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Each city was governed by a ruler, and the offering of five gold items corresponds to these five leaders. This reflects the collective responsibility and unity of the Philistine leadership in addressing the crisis. It also underscores the widespread impact of the divine judgment, affecting all levels of Philistine society.

because the same plague has struck both you and your rulers
The phrase highlights the indiscriminate nature of the divine judgment, affecting both common people and leaders alike. This serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and impartiality of God, who judges all people regardless of status. The Hebrew word for "plague" is "מַכָּה" (makkah), which can mean a blow or a strike, emphasizing the severity of the affliction. This acknowledgment by the Philistines of the shared suffering underscores their desperation and the urgency of their need for divine mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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

3. Five Philistine Rulers
Leaders of the five principal cities of the Philistines—Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

4. Gold Tumors and Rats
Objects made by the Philistines as a guilt offering to God, symbolizing the plagues that afflicted them.

5. Plague
A divine punishment that struck the Philistines, causing them to seek a way to appease the God of Israel.

Teaching Points

Understanding Guilt Offerings
The Philistines recognized their need to make amends for offending the God of Israel. This highlights the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking reconciliation.

Symbolism in Offerings
The choice of gold tumors and rats as offerings symbolizes the specific afflictions they experienced. This teaches us to be specific in our repentance and acknowledgment of sin.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The plagues demonstrate God's power over all nations, not just Israel. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation and His will prevails.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Philistines' experience serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing God's will. It encourages us to live in obedience to God's commands.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Philistines sought advice on how to appease God, showing the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Philistines' decision to send a guilt offering reveal about their understanding of the God of Israel?

2. How can the concept of a guilt offering in 1 Samuel 6:4 be applied to our lives today in terms of repentance and reconciliation?

3. In what ways does the account of the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

4. How does the symbolism of the gold tumors and rats relate to the specific challenges or sins we face in our own lives?

5. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' experience about the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The concept of plagues as divine judgment is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt, where God demonstrated His power and sovereignty.

Leviticus 5
Discusses the concept of guilt offerings, which were made to atone for unintentional sins and to restore a right relationship with God.

1 Samuel 5
Provides context for the events leading up to 1 Samuel 6:4, detailing the afflictions that came upon the Philistines after capturing the Ark.

Numbers 7
Describes offerings made to God, highlighting the importance of giving according to divine instruction.

Psalm 78
Reflects on the history of Israel, including their interactions with the Philistines, and God's deliverance.