1 Samuel 6:18

New American Bible - revised edition

The golden mice, however, corresponded to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five leaders, including fortified cities and open villages. The large stone on which the ark of the Lord was placed is still in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite at the present time. Penalty for Irreverence.

Cross References

Joshua 13:3

(from the stream adjoining Egypt to the boundary of Ekron in the north is reckoned Canaanite territory, though held by the five lords of the Philistines in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron);

Deuteronomy 3:5

all these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars—besides a great number of unwalled towns.

1 Samuel 6:4

When asked further, “What reparation offering should be our amends to God?” they replied: “Five golden tumors and five golden mice to correspond to the number of Philistine leaders, since the same plague has struck all of you and your leaders.