Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Brian & Laureen Powell <PowellBrian AT omf.net>]

Hi,
I'm currently translating 1 Samuel into one of the minority languages of 
the Philippines and have reached the above verse.

I am wondering if the word translated in the NIV as 'devastation', 
shamem in the Hebrew, refers to a destruction of crops (which would be 
quite likely if there were a plague of rats which is mentioned in 
chapter 6) or whether this is some other form of destruction, such as 
death by plague.

I should be grateful if anyone could shed some light on the meaning of 
this word. Thanks
Brian Powell

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Brian & Laureen Powell