1 Samuel 6:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 6:17
17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 6 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, creation. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 6:17
17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
Analysis
And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
The narrator provides an itemized account of the guilt offering, listing each city's contribution. The Hebrew 'asham' (trespass or guilt offering) terminology shows the Philistines understood their affliction as punishment requiring compensation. Five golden tumors represented the five cities - a symbolic acknowledgment that the plague had touched all of Philistia. The enumeration 'for Ashdod one, for Gaza one...' emphasizes corporate responsibility; each city bore guilt and each contributed to atonement. This pagan appropriation of Hebrew sacrificial concepts demonstrates how God's revelation influenced surrounding cultures while also showing the inadequacy of external forms without heart transformation. The Philistines offered gold but not themselves, substitutes but not surrender.
Historical Context
The five cities formed a confederation controlling the southern coastal plain. Ashdod hosted Dagon's primary temple; Gaza was the southernmost city; Ashkelon possessed a major seaport; Gath was the inland agricultural center; Ekron lay nearest Israelite territory. Each city's golden tumor acknowledged local experience of the plague.
Reflection
- What does the Philistines' city-by-city acknowledgment of guilt teach about corporate responsibility for sin?
- How do people today offer religious substitutes rather than genuine heart surrender?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 1:20