“And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.”
Context:In this verse, we find ourselves in the midst of a significant event recorded in the book of 1 Samuel. The Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God, had been captured by the Philistines during a battle. However, instead of experiencing triumph over the Israelites’ God, the Philistines faced dire consequences and experienced a series of plagues in their cities.
Historical Background:To better understand the significance of 1 Samuel 5:12, let’s look at the historical context. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred object of Israel’s worship, kept in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. The Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, took possession of the ark after defeating the Israelites in battle. However, the Philistines soon discovered that having the ark in their possession brought them trouble instead of victory.
The Plague of Emerods:The verse mentions that the men who did not die were “smitten with the emerods.” The word “emerods” in the KJV refers to tumors or hemorrhoids. It was a painful affliction that affected the Philistines who came in contact with the ark. This plague served as a divine judgment against the Philistines for disrespecting and capturing the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God’s presence among His people.
The Cry of the City:The verse also states that “the cry of the city went up to heaven.” This suggests that the suffering caused by the plague was widespread and severe, affecting the entire city. The people were in agony and likely cried out to their gods for relief from the affliction they were experiencing. However, their cries reached heaven, emphasizing that only the God of Israel has the power to bring healing and deliverance.
Key Lessons:
- God’s Holiness and Power:The episode with the Ark of the Covenant reminds us of God’s holiness and power. The Philistines’ experience demonstrates that no nation or people can capture and control God’s presence for their own purposes. God is sovereign and cannot be manipulated or defeated.
- Reverence for God:The Philistines failed to honor and show reverence for God when they treated the Ark of the Covenant as a mere trophy of war. This event serves as a reminder that we must approach God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and giving Him the honor due to His name.
- God’s Judgment and Mercy:The affliction of the Philistines with the plague of emerods illustrates God’s judgment upon those who oppose Him or treat Him lightly. At the same time, it reveals His mercy in not wiping out the entire city, leaving room for repentance and an opportunity to acknowledge His power and sovereignty.
Application:
- Reverence in Worship:As we approach God in worship, both individually and as a community, we should do so with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and power.
- Trusting God’s Sovereignty:When we face challenges and enemies, we should remember that God is sovereign over all circumstances. We can trust in His power and seek His guidance, knowing that He is in control.
- Repentance and Acknowledgment:When we experience the conviction of God’s judgment, whether through personal conviction or the consequences of our actions, we should respond with repentance and acknowledgment of His authority. We can cry out to God for His mercy and forgiveness.
