Verse 18

The gold mice corresponded in number to all the Philistine cities of the five leaders, from the fortified cities to hamlet villages, to greater Abel, where they positioned the ark of the LORD until this very day in the field of Joshua who was from Beth Shemesh.

Referenced Verses

• Deut 3:5 : 5 All of these cities were fortified by high walls, gates, and locking bars; in addition there were a great many open villages.
• Josh 13:3 : 3 from the Shihor River east of Egypt northward to the territory of Ekron(it is regarded as Canaanite territory), including the area belonging to the five Philistine lords who ruled in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as Avvite land
• 1 Sam 6:14-16 : 14 The cart was coming to the field of Joshua, who was from Beth Shemesh. It paused there near a big stone. Then they cut up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. 15 The Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest that was with it, which contained the gold objects. They placed them near the big stone. At that time the people of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD. 16 The five leaders of the Philistines watched what was happening and then returned to Ekron on the same day.