Study note

1 Samuel 5:8

  • rulers (or overlords): Each of the five major Philistine cities had its own ruler (1 Samuel 6:16–18).

  • It must be moved: Even with the clear danger, the Philistines valued their captured trophy so much that they chose to move it instead of returning it.

  • Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities, was close by.