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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 5 - Verse 12

5:12
And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible describes a situation where the men who did not die during a plague were afflicted with another painful ailment called emerods, which are believed to be hemorrhoids. This demonstrates the severity of the punishment inflicted on the people in the city for their sins. The cry of the city going up to heaven symbolizes the intense suffering and anguish experienced by the inhabitants as they cried out for help and relief from their afflictions. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. It highlights the importance of living a righteous life and following God's commandments to avoid experiencing his wrath and judgment. As readers explore this verse in its larger context, they can reflect on the themes of punishment, repentance, and redemption present in the Bible.

Theological Overview

The verse "And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven" introduces a concept that has been subject to various interpretations and theological reflections. The term "emerods" refers to a condition often translated as hemorrhoids in more modern translations. In this verse, the affliction of emerods is seen as a form of divine punishment upon those who did not perish in the previous plague. The cry of the city going up to heaven symbolizes the extreme distress and suffering experienced by the inhabitants as a result of this affliction. Some theologians interpret this verse as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, showcasing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance.

American Standard Version

And the men that died not were smitten with the tumors; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
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