A New Interpretation of the Term ‛Opalim' (עפלים) in Light of Recent Archaeological Finds from Philistia

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Abstract

In the light of recent archaeological finds from Iron Age Philistia and comparative evidence from Aegean and ancient Near Eastern cults, a new interpretation is suggested for the term opalim ( ), mentioned in the `ark narrative' (e.g. 1 Sam. 5.6; 6.5). Although most often interpreted as relating to `haemorrhoids' or the bubonic plague, it is suggested that this, in fact, is a term referring to an affliction of the Philistines' membra virile.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)22-40
JournalJournal for the Study of the Old Testament
Volume32
StatePublished - 2007

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