Definition: And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 6:17. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a large pile of gold – emerods – that the Philistines (a group of people from the east) returned to God as a “trespass offering.” It’s like they were apologizing for a bad deed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And these [are] the golden emerods…” - This is a slightly poetic way of saying "these precious treasures." The word "emerods" suggests something truly valuable and significant. “…which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD…” – This is the key part. The Philistines were returning these gold items to God as a way of making amends for something they did wrong. “Trespass offering” means they were apologizing for a violation of God’s law or will. "...unto the LORD.” - This reinforces that it's a plea for forgiveness and atonement. What does this mean in context? This verse is found in the story of Samuel, who was trying to convince the Philistines to stay in Israel. The Philists were being incredibly disrespectful to God and were causing trouble. Samuel realized that the Philistines were offering these gold treasures as a sign of their remorse and a way to appease God. Why is it important? This verse tells us that: The Philistines weren’t just random traders: They intentionally returned these gifts to show they were sorry for their actions. It's about repentance and atonement: It highlights the idea that making amends for wrongdoing is essential for a good relationship with God. In short, it's a story of forgiveness and an offering of apology from the Philistines. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical significance? Would you like me to explain what “trespass offering” means in more detail?