Bible Verse Meaning: 1 Samuel 6:4

Verse: 1 Samuel 6:4 - "Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords."

Overview: This verse is part of the narrative where the Philistines, having captured the Ark of the Covenant, are faced with severe plagues, prompting them to seek a way to appease the God of Israel. The request for a trespass offering reflects both their acknowledgment of the affliction and their misguided approach to appeasing the divine.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary:

• Contextual Understanding: Henry describes the Ark's presence among the Philistines as a source of disaster, leading to their eventual decision to return it. This verse highlights their desire to rectify the situation through an offering.
• Symbolism of Offerings: The choice of golden emerods (tumors) and mice symbolizes their affliction and the blame they attribute to God. It serves as a representation of their guilt and an attempt to make restitution.

Albert Barnes' Notes:

• Philistine Acknowledgment: Barnes emphasizes that the Philistines recognize their gods' impotence in the face of true divine power, demonstrating a critical moment of understanding in their mindset.
• Offerings and Their Purpose: The mention of five golden emerods and mice was intended to represent the Philistine lords, showing both their humility and desperation as they seek to find favor with God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary:

• Restitution and Remorse: Clarke points out that the manner in which they choose to make restitution indicates a deep remorse for their actions, albeit their understanding of God is still warped.
• Historical Context: He provides insight into the historical significance of the offerings, related to the plagues, as a means of appeasing a deity they do not fully comprehend.

Bible Study Insights

This verse invites deeper Bible verse interpretations and understanding Scripture through the lens of the cultural context of the Philistines. It highlights how even those unfamiliar with the God of Israel sought to make amends when faced with divine punishment.

For those engaged in Bible study groups or online Bible study, this passage opens discussions about:

• The nature of false gods and true repentance.
• The significance of offerings in the Old Testament.
• The theological implications of God's sovereignty over all nations.

Additional Cross References

• 1 Samuel 5:6-12: Discussion of the plagues suffered by the Philistines.
• Exodus 25:22: The significance of the Ark of the Covenant.
• 2 Samuel 6:2: David’s later interaction with the Ark.

Applications of 1 Samuel 6:4

Understanding this verse can help individuals apply its lessons to daily life:

• Recognizing the need for genuine repentance and restoration in relationships.
• Understanding the importance of acknowledging divine authority over personal and communal life.
• Learning to make amends in a sincere and meaningful manner.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 6:4 serves as a profound reminder of the necessity of Bible verse meanings and reflecting on historical context of Bible verses. Engaging with this verse not only enriches one's understanding but also enhances the overall Bible study insights acquired through careful analysis.