1 Samuel 6:18
And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Beth-shemite.
Original Language Analysis
הַזָּהָ֗ב
And the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֗ב
And the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
2 of 29
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מִסְפַּ֞ר
according to the number
H4557
מִסְפַּ֞ר
according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
3 of 29
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵעִ֣יר
cities
H5892
מֵעִ֣יר
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 29
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
of the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
6 of 29
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
מֵעִ֣יר
cities
H5892
מֵעִ֣יר
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 29
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצָ֔ר
both of fenced
H4013
מִבְצָ֔ר
both of fenced
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
10 of 29
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
11 of 29
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כֹּ֣פֶר
villages
H3724
כֹּ֣פֶר
villages
Strong's:
H3724
Word #:
12 of 29
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
וְעַ֣ד׀
H5704
וְעַ֣ד׀
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
14 of 29
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַגְּדוֹלָ֗ה
even unto the great
H1419
הַגְּדוֹלָ֗ה
even unto the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
16 of 29
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִנִּ֤יחוּ
whereon they set down
H3240
הִנִּ֤יחוּ
whereon they set down
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
18 of 29
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
H5921
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
22 of 29
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַ֚ד
H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
23 of 29
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַיּ֣וֹם
which stone remaineth unto this day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
which stone remaineth unto this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
24 of 29
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
Historical Context
The term 'Abel' may mean 'meadow' or relate to 'ebel' (mourning), given subsequent events. Archaeological evidence confirms the existence of both fortified Philistine cities and smaller dependent villages throughout the coastal plain. The stone memorial would have been a recognizable landmark for the original audience.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture emphasize physical memorials of God's mighty acts?
- What 'stones of remembrance' mark significant encounters with God in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Beth-shemite.
The golden mice extended beyond the five capital cities to represent all Philistine settlements - both fortified cities ('ir mivtsar') and unwalled villages ('perazot'). This comprehensive offering acknowledged that the plague had spread throughout Philistine territory. The reference to 'the great stone of Abel' (possibly 'stone of mourning' or simply 'great stone') served as a permanent memorial. The narrator's note 'which stone remaineth unto this day' indicates this account was written while the memorial still stood, verifying the historical reality for original readers. The stone that received the Ark became a lasting witness to God's sovereignty over pagan nations and His faithfulness in returning to His people. Such memorials throughout Scripture (Jacob's pillar, Joshua's stones) serve to anchor faith in historical events.