Definition: And the golden mice, [according to] the number of all the cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the five lords, [both] of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great [stone of] Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: [which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 6:18. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage about God’s protection and a special place. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very significant location – a small, rocky area – that God used to store the Ark of the Covenant. It tells us where this Ark is located and why it’s so important. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the golden mice…” : This refers to a specific type of stone – gold-colored stones – that were used to decorate the Ark. The word “mice” here is symbolic; they represent something precious and valuable, like the Ark itself. “[according to] the number of all the cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the five lords…” : This is where it gets a bit tricky. "Cities of the Philistines" refers to the Philistine people who lived in the region near modern-day Israel. The “five lords” are powerful leaders or groups of people who controlled these cities. Basically, God was giving this location to the leaders of these Philistine communities as a way to show them His presence and power. “both” : This word emphasizes that there were two sets of control – the Philistines and the Israelites (who later became part of Israel). “fenced cities” : This suggests these cities were carefully protected and overseen by the Philistine leaders. “of country villages, even unto the great [stone of] Abel…” : This is a crucial detail. It's telling us that this area specifically held the Ark of the Covenant – a very important object of worship. "The great stone of Abel" refers to a specific, significant rock – likely a large, flat, and prominent one – located near the edge of this area. “whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: [which stone remaineth] unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.” : This is the final part, explaining why it’s so important. God had placed the Ark there to be protected and kept safe for a very long time. And now, even today, that specific stone remains (or is still present) in Joshua's field near Bethsheme. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse emphasizes God’s careful plan to protect His people and His sacred gifts. It’s about the idea that God doesn’t just give things away; He strategically places them for a specific reason – to be a visible sign of His presence and power, especially in a place where these leaders held significant influence. In short: God chose a special, rocky area near the Philistine cities to safeguard the Ark of the Covenant, and that spot continues to exist today. It's a powerful reminder of God’s protection and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?