1 Samuel 6:18

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.

Deuteronomy 3:5

All of these cities were fortified by high walls, gates, and locking bars; in addition there were a great many open villages.

Joshua 13:3

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 Samuel 6:14-16

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.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

1 Samuel 6:18

And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.

The five lords

1 Samuel 6:16

Joshua 13:3

Bible References

The five lords

The five leaders of the Philistines watched what was happening and then returned to Ekron on the same day.