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.
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Then said they, what shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?.... They paid a great deference to their priests and diviners, and were willing to be directed in all things by them;…
Barnes' Notes
It was a prevalent custom in pagan antiquity to make offerings to the gods expressive of the particular mercy received. Thus, those saved from shipwreck offered pictures of the shipwreck, etc., and…
Adam Clarke
Five golden emerods, and five golden mice - One for each satrapy. The emerods had afflicted their bodies; the mice had marred their land. Both, they considered, as sent by God; and, making an image of…
The first words of the chapter tell us how long the captivity of the ark continued - it was in the country of the Philistines seven months. In the field of the Philistines (so it is in the original),…
Cambridge Bible
emerods Or, boils. See note on ch. 1Sa 5:6.
according to the number of the lords of the Philistines The number of the confederate cities was naturally chosen to represent the whole people.
Cross References
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