Definition: So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 5:11. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a devastating event in Israel's history. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Long ago, the Philistines were a powerful group of people living to the north of Israel. They were skilled sailors and traders, and they began to build a large, ornate ark – a boat – dedicated to their god, God. They wanted to keep this ark safe from harm, but something terrible happened. What Happened: The Philistines started attacking the city where Israel was located. The attack was so fierce that it caused a massive destruction throughout the city. It felt like God was actively punishing them for their wickedness. The Verse's Message – It’s about Divine Punishment: This verse tells us that God is directly involved in this punishment. He’s sending people to gather together all the leaders of the Philistines (the people living north of Israel) and telling them to remove the ark . He’s saying, “You need to go and get rid of this powerful object – the ark – because it's causing so much destruction.” What’s Being Asked: The message is clear: God wants to stop the Philistines from keeping the ark. He doesn’t want it to be a threat anymore. He wants to give the ark back to its original, sacred place, which was his own territory. The Tone – It’s Serious and Intense: The phrase "a deadly destruction throughout all the city" emphasizes how serious this situation is. It wasn't just a minor problem; it was a catastrophic event that caused widespread suffering. In short, this verse describes God sending people to remove the ark as a punishment for the Philistines’ actions and a way to protect Israel. Important Note: This story is considered one of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament, showing a very powerful and potentially vengeful God. It's a reminder that God can punish those who are evil and disrespectful. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the ark? Explain the context of the story in the Old Testament?