And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

1 SAMUEL 6:11KJV
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1 Samuel 6:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 6:11 mean?

1 Samuel 6:11 describes how the Philistines placed the ark of the LORD, along with a chest containing golden models of mice and tumors, onto a cart. This was part of their effort to return the ark to Israel, hoping to end the plagues they believed were caused by keeping it.

The verse takes place after the Philistines had captured the ark and suffered from various afflictions. Their leaders decided to send the ark back with offerings—golden images representing the plagues (mice and tumors)—as a guilt offering to the God of Israel. The verse records the practical step of loading these items onto a cart, preparing for their return.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 6:11

  • "ark" (אָרוֹן, aron): This word refers to the sacred chest that represented God's presence among the Israelites. Its mention here highlights the seriousness with which the Philistines treated the object.
  • "coffer" (אַרְגַּז, argaz): This word means a chest or box. Here, it refers to the container holding the golden offerings, showing the Philistines' attempt to make restitution in a tangible way.
  • "mice" (עַכְבָּר, akhbar): The golden mice likely symbolize the infestation that struck the Philistines, acknowledging the specific nature of their suffering.
  • "emerods" (טְחֹר, techor): This word is often understood as "tumors" or "swellings," representing the physical afflictions the Philistines experienced. The golden images served as a symbolic offering for healing.

Why 1 Samuel 6:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Philistines did not return the ark alone; they included symbolic offerings, showing their belief that their troubles were connected to the ark and their respect for Israel’s God.
  • The details about the mice and tumors connect the verse to the larger story of the plagues, helping readers understand the Philistines’ reasoning and fear.
  • This verse sets up the next events, showing the careful and deliberate way the Philistines tried to appease God, which contrasts with how the Israelites later handle the ark’s return.