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 Bethshemite.”

Context: The verse is part of a narrative describing the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines to the Israelites. The Philistines had captured the ark after a battle with the Israelites and experienced various calamities as a result. After consulting their priests and diviners, they decided to send the ark back to Israel.

The Golden Mice: The verse mentions “golden mice” that were created as part of the Philistines’ offering to the Lord along with the Ark of the Covenant. These golden mice were likely representative of the plague of mice or rats that had infested the Philistines’ cities during the time the ark was in their possession (1 Samuel 6:4-5).

The Number of Cities: The verse states that the golden mice were made according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords. The five lords represent the five major cities of the Philistines: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. The golden mice were made in correspondence with the number of cities to symbolize the impact of the plague on the entire Philistine territory.

The Great Stone of Abel: The verse also mentions the “great stone of Abel.” This stone is believed to be a reference to a landmark in the vicinity of Beth Shemesh, a city in the territory of the Israelites. This stone is where the Ark of the Covenant was placed when it was returned by the Philistines.

Field of Joshua, the Bethshemite: The verse further indicates that the stone remains in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite. It is likely that Joshua, the Bethshemite, was the owner or caretaker of the field where the stone stood, and the stone became associated with his name.

This verse highlights the remarkable events surrounding the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites and the accompanying offerings made by the Philistines. It serves as a reminder of God’s power and the consequences that befell those who mishandled or disrespected the sacred objects and symbols of His presence.

Please note that while this Bible study provides a general understanding of the verse, in-depth study and additional references to related passages can offer further insights and a richer understanding of the text.