The emerods that God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5 have been the source of much speculation and debate over the years. The Hebrew word used is “ophel” which refers to swellings or tumors, but the exact nature of these afflictions is not specified. Based on contextual clues in the passage and insights from biblical scholars, the prevailing view is that these were likely hemorrhoids or something similar. Let’s dive into the details of 1 Samuel 5 to understand the biblical background of this unusual plague God used to humble the Philistines.
The Context of 1 Samuel 5
In 1 Samuel 4, we read about how the Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the Ark of the Covenant. The ark was the sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments and representing God’s presence with His people. Having captured this prized possession of the Israelites, the Philistines took the ark to Ashdod and placed it triumphantly in the temple of their god Dagon. But the true God of Israel was about to show His superiority over the false god Dagon and humble the Philistines who had defeated Israel.
1 Samuel 5 opens with the scene of Dagon fallen on his face before the ark of God. After the Philistines set Dagon upright again, the next morning they found the idol fallen again but this time with his head and hands broken off as well. It was a striking picture of the impotence of the false god before the true and living God. God was making it clear that the ark should be returned to His people.
But the trouble for the Philistines was just beginning. After breaking Dagon, God proceeded to afflict the people of Ashdod with the painful emerods. The passage refers to the emerods afflicting the people of Ashdod, their territory, and then later all the Philistine cities when the ark was moved. These swellings plagued the people to such an extent that their cry of distress went up to heaven (1 Sam 5:12).
The Nature of the Emerods
There has been much debate about the exact nature of these emerods. The Hebrew word “ophel” is ambiguous and is also translated as “tumors” or “boils” in some Bible versions. Based on how it is described in the passage, the predominant view is that it refers to hemorrhoids or something similar.
Several factors point to hemorrhoids as the likely affliction:
- The word ophel is used only here and in 1 Samuel 6:4-5 in reference to these afflictions on the Philistines. In other instances in the Old Testament it refers to swellings or lumps.
- They are described as being on the “secret parts” in 1 Samuel 5:9, indicating a private or sensitive bodily area.
- The plague spread by contact with the ark, even by mice that touched it (1 Samuel 6:5). This indicates a highly contagious affliction.
- The tumors were painful enough to cause the Philistines to cry out.
- The Philistines made offerings to get relief from them (1 Samuel 6:4-5).
- Some propose that hemorrhoids make sense as a plague on the idol-worshipping Philistines as a form of symbolic retribution similar to Dagon falling on his face before the ark.
The description and impact of this plague points strongly towards hemorrhoids or a similar affliction affecting the anus and rectum. Various Bible versions have used translations like “hemorrhoids” (CSB, ESV, NASB, NIV), “tumors in the groin” (NLT), or more euphemistic terms like “swellings” (KJV, NKJV). But the general sense is that these were extremely painful, debilitating growths of some kind in the private regions of the body.
The Purpose of the Emerods
But why emerods? Why would God choose to use this affliction against the Philistines who had captured the ark? Understanding the potential symbolism gives insight into God’s purpose.
First, these emerods demonstrated God’s supremacy over the false Philistine gods like Dagon. Just as Dagon fell on his face before the ark, so God afflicted the followers of Dagon with a humiliating plague in a sensitive area of their bodies. The ark’s presence caused the swellings, showing the Philistines that Israel’s God wasmightier than their own.
Second, the emerods served to humble the Philistines and be a painful punishment for capturing the ark and plundering the Israelites. Prior to this, the Philistines had experienced military success against Israel. But this debilitating health crisis would have humbled even the strongest warriors.
Third, the emerods motivated the Philistines to return the ark to Israel. The painful sores afflicted not just the people of Ashdod, but also spread to Gath and Ekron when they moved the ark there (1 Sam 5:9-12). The only way to get relief was to send the ark back to Israel.
Fourth, the use of private body parts being shamed may allude to the shameful act of capturing the holy ark of God in the first place. The embarrassment they caused Israel came back upon them via embarrassing afflictions in sensitive areas. Having to make offerings exposing their swollen backsides would have been both painful and humiliating (1 Sam 6:4-5).
So while the emerods were a literal health crisis, they carried symbolic meaning in line with God’s purpose to humble proud Philistia and demonstrate His superiority as the one true God. This strange plague got the job done in a memorable way!
The Affliction Spreads to Gath and Ekron
To fully grasp the impact of the emerods, it’s key to note how the affliction spread as the Philistines moved the ark from one city to another in an attempt to get relief.
1 Samuel 5:9 mentions the first outbreak in Ashdod, saying “the hand of the Lord was heavy upon the people of Ashdod.” Trying to solve the problem, they decided to move the ark to Gath, probably hoping the sores would stop without the ark’s presence. But vs 10 says “the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing an outbreak of tumors on the people of Gath.” Moving the ark didn’t help, but rather spread the affliction further.
So next, they sent the ark to Ekron (vs 10), and the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought around the ark of the god of Israel to us to kill us and our people.” And just as before, “the hand of God was very heavy there” (vs 11). The presence of the ark precipitated each outbreak, affirming God’s direct involvement in causing the emerods.
These details emphasize how serious and widespread this plague became, afflicting at least three major Philistine city-states. It was pervasive, painful, and clearly an act of God in response to their taking the ark. The Philistine leaders asked: “What shall we do with the ark of the god of Israel?” (vs 11). Something had to be done since their false gods were powerless to stop it.
The Solution: Return the Ark
With the painful sores afflicting so many, the Philistine leaders gathered to strategize how to appease Israel’s God so He would take the plague away. They decided to return the ark along with guilt offerings of five gold tumors and five gold rats, representing their afflictions (1 Sam 6:4-5). The number five represents each of the Philistine rulers. It was a very expensive offering, showing their sincerity.
The priests and diviners advised them: “It must be a guilt offering to the Lord. Then you will be healed, and the plague will stop” (1 Sam 6:3). Their idol gods had failed them, so now they turned to Israel’s God, admitting their guilt and seeking relief from Him. The plan worked, as it says after the ark arrived back in Israel, “the Lord’s hand was against the Philistines all during the time of Samuel” (1 Sam 7:13).
This story powerfully demonstrates that the Philistines had no choice but to return the stolen ark once God afflicted them. The emerods were painful, effective, and communicated clearly that Israel’s God reigns supreme over all other gods. While unpleasant, the sores served an important purpose in humbling God’s enemies and returning a sacred object to His people.
Parallels to the Plagues of Egypt
There are some notable parallels between the emerods God inflicted on the Philistines and the plagues He brought upon the Egyptians in the time of Moses:
- Both were acts of judgment on nations warring against and oppressing Israel.
- Both demonstrated God’s power over the false gods of the pagan nations.
- Several of the Egyptian plagues also involved bodily afflictions, like boils and diseases on their livestock (Exodus 9).
- Both were effective at motivating the nations to let go of the Israelites.
- The emerods and the plagues were targeted signs of God’s displeasure with how those nations treated Israel.
Just as God afflicted Egypt with various plagues to free His people from slavery, so He afflicted the Philistines with the humiliating and painful emerods until they returned the ark of the covenant. Both served similar purposes in humbling the prideful nations and protecting God’s people.
Theological Insights
This unusual biblical account of God afflicting the Philistines with emerods allows us to gain several valuable theological insights:
- God takes dishonoring sacred things very seriously. Stealing the ark representing God’s presence was deeply offensive.
- God demonstrates His supremacy over all pretended gods of the nations.
- God defends and disciplines those who mistreat His chosen people Israel.
- God can use surprising and unique miracles like this plague to get His point across.
- God’s use of private body parts highlights how personal and humiliating this judgment was.
- Even unusual biblical stories give glimpses of God’s character and dealings with humanity.
While on initial reading the emerods may seem like a strange and minor detail, they demonstrate God’s just dealings with those who dishonor Him. Even this unusual biblical account reveals theological truths about God and His relationship with His people.
New Testament Perspectives
When interpreted through a New Testament lens, the account of God afflicting the Philistines with emerods gives some cautionary messages to Christians today:
- Fearing and respecting God is the beginning of wisdom. The Philistines learned this lesson.
- God alone is worthy of worship. Idols and false gods are powerless.
- All people from every nation will one day bow before Christ (Philippians 2:10-11).
- Jesus identifies with suffering. As Christ suffered pain and indignity for us, He understands human suffering.
- Believers should respect holy things, like the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27).
- God still disciplines those who dishonor Christ and the church (Hebrews 12:5-6).
- Judgment now is merciful if it leads people to repentance (Hebrews 12:7-11).
While we don’t wish suffering on anyone, lessons from the past remind us of serious truths. As in the Philistines’ case, God may use difficulty to draw people to Himself. Respect for God’s holiness is essential.
Conclusion
The odd biblical account of God afflicting the Philistines with emerods leaves many puzzling over what exactly these were and why God chose this particular plague. Based on the context, they were likely hemorrhoids or similar swellings on the private parts. While unpleasant, this non-lethal yet painful and humiliating plague effectively humbled the Philistines and caused them to return the stolen ark.
While on the surface it seems like just an unusual biblical detail, important themes emerge in this account. We see God’s power against false gods, His protection of Israel, His use of the unexpected to teach lessons, and His demand for respect towards holy things. Even odd and distasteful biblical stories can impart wisdom and truth if we look below the surface.
The main lesson is that rebelling against God and dishonoring holy things always leads to ruin. But turning to Him in repentance and respect is the path to peace. Through Christ, even enemies can find healing and redemption by honoring Him. What we learn from the emerods prepares us to worship God alone and treat His holiness with care.
