1 Samuel 5:9
And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֞י
H1961
וַיְהִ֞י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י׀
And it was so that after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י׀
And it was so that after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
הֵסַ֣בּוּ
they had carried it about
H5437
הֵסַ֣בּוּ
they had carried it about
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
3 of 21
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֹת֗וֹ
H853
אֹת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתְּהִ֨י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יַד
the hand
H3027
יַד
the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 21
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֤ה׀
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה׀
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 21
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
גָּד֑וֹל
and great
H1419
גָּד֑וֹל
and great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 21
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
מְאֹ֔ד
with a very
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
with a very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וַיַּךְ֙
and he smote
H5221
וַיַּךְ֙
and he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 21
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 21
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִקָּטֹ֖ן
both small
H6996
מִקָּטֹ֖ן
both small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
16 of 21
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
17 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גָּד֑וֹל
and great
H1419
גָּד֑וֹל
and great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
18 of 21
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Cross References
1 Samuel 5:6But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.Deuteronomy 2:15For indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed.1 Samuel 7:13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.1 Samuel 12:15But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.Psalms 78:66And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.
Historical Context
Gath's experience parallels Ashdod's, confirming that the affliction was connected to the Ark's presence, not local conditions. The inclusion of all social classes demonstrates comprehensive judgment. Gath was a significant Philistine city, later becoming David's refuge (1 Samuel 27:1-4).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the spreading affliction demonstrate about Yahweh's power beyond Israel's borders?
- How does God's systematic judgment counter Philistine attempts to manage the Ark?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Gath fares no better: 'the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction.' The affliction now includes 'small and great' - no social class escapes. The 'emerods in their secret parts' (more literally, 'tumors broke out on them') spreads through the entire population. Each Philistine city that receives the Ark experiences intensified judgment. God demonstrates His power systematically throughout Philistine territory. The Ark cannot be contained or controlled by pagan strategies.