1 Samuel 5:2

KJV

When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the Philistines {H6430} took {H3947} the ark {H727} of God {H430}, they brought {H935} it into the house {H1004} of Dagon {H1712}, and set {H3322} it by {H681} Dagon {H1712}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the P'lishtim took the ark of God, brought it to the temple of Dagon and set it next to Dagon.

Berean Standard Bible

carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue.

American Standard Version

And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following their decisive military victory over Israel at Ebenezer and the subsequent capture of the Ark of the Covenant, the Philistines transported this profoundly sacred Israelite artifact to Ashdod. There, in a deliberate act of perceived triumph and religious subjugation, they brought the Ark into the temple dedicated to their chief deity, Dagon, and strategically positioned it directly beside Dagon's idol. This action was intended to visually assert Dagon's supremacy over the God of Israel and to symbolically relegate the Lord's presence to the status of a war trophy within the Philistine pantheon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition point in the narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of Samuel and Saul"). It immediately follows the catastrophic defeat of Israel by the Philistines, detailed in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark"), which culminated in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, the death of Eli's sons, and the poignant lament of Ichabod's mother, proclaiming that "the glory has departed from Israel" ([1 Samuel 4:21](/1_samuel/4-21 "1 Samuel 4:21 - Ichabod and the Departure of Glory")). [1 Samuel 5:2](/1_samuel/5-2 "1 Samuel 5:2 - The Ark in Dagon's Temple") thus marks a crucial shift from Israel's humiliation and perceived divine abandonment to God's active self-vindication. The narrative moves from human failure to divine action, setting the stage for a series of miraculous events that will powerfully demonstrate the Lord's absolute sovereignty over false gods and His ability to defend His own name and honor without human intervention. The subsequent verses in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines") vividly describe Dagon's repeated humiliation before the Ark, culminating in plagues upon the Philistine cities, forcing them to return the Ark, thereby reversing the perceived triumph of Dagon.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines, a formidable seafaring people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, were a dominant military and cultural force during the period of the Judges and the early Israelite monarchy. Their culture was polytheistic, with Dagon being one of their most prominent deities, particularly revered in major cities like Ashdod, Gaza, and Ashkelon. Dagon was often depicted iconographically as a half-man, half-fish figure, and was associated with grain, fertility, and the sea. The practice of placing a captured enemy's deity or sacred object in the temple of one's own god was a common and significant custom throughout the ancient Near East. This act was not merely a physical relocation but a profound theological and political statement, symbolizing the victor's god being superior to the vanquished god, effectively making the captured deity a subordinate or prisoner. By bringing the Ark into "the house of Dagon" in Ashdod, the Philistines intended to publicly declare Dagon's triumph over Yahweh, mirroring their recent military victory and asserting their religious dominance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and powerfully reinforces several critical themes that permeate the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it dramatically illustrates **God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty**. Despite the Ark's capture and its placement in a pagan temple, the narrative immediately begins to demonstrate that God's power and authority are not diminished; He needs no human defense, nor can He be imprisoned or subjected by any false god. Secondly, it highlights **The Folly and Impotence of Idolatry**. The Philistines' attempt to elevate Dagon above the Lord quickly reveals the worthlessness and powerlessness of their idol, setting the stage for Dagon's dramatic and repeated falls before the Ark. This symbolizes the true God's ultimate victory over all false deities and human constructs, as eloquently described in passages like [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Defense of His Own Glory and Name**. Even in a moment of Israel's weakness and apparent divine abandonment, God actively defends His own glory and name against pagan defilement. The Ark, though captured, remains a powerful symbol of His presence and a conduit for His judgment, demonstrating that God's honor is paramount, and He will not share His glory with another ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** From a root meaning "to gather," this word refers to a box, chest, or coffin. In this context, "the Ark of God" (אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים, _'aron ha'elohim'_) specifically denotes the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred Israelite artifact. It was a gold-overlaid wooden chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people.
* **Dagon (Hebrew, _Dâgôwn'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "fish" (_dag_), Dagon was the primary fish-god and chief Philistine deity, particularly revered in cities like Ashdod. His worship represented the pagan idolatry that stood in opposition to the God of Israel.
* **by (Hebrew, _ʼêtsel'_):** This preposition signifies proximity, meaning "at," "by," "beside," or "near." In the context of the Philistines' action, placing the Ark _ʼêtsel_ Dagon was a deliberate act of positioning it in a subservient or subordinate role, as a captured trophy alongside their supposedly superior deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the Philistines took the ark of God":** This initial clause establishes the immediate aftermath of Israel's devastating defeat, emphasizing that the Ark was not voluntarily surrendered but forcibly seized as a spoil of war. This highlights the Philistines' perceived triumph and their control over the most sacred symbol of Israel's God, setting the stage for the unfolding divine drama.
* **"they brought it into the house of Dagon":** This specifies the destination of the captured Ark – the temple dedicated to Dagon in Ashdod. This act was deeply significant within ancient Near Eastern cultural norms, where victors commonly brought the captured deities or sacred objects of their defeated enemies into the temples of their own gods. It was a public declaration of Dagon's supposed victory over Yahweh, a theological assertion of supremacy.
* **"and set it by Dagon":** This final phrase precisely details the Ark's placement within Dagon's temple. The Ark was not merely brought into the temple but strategically positioned "by" or "beside" the idol of Dagon. This was a deliberate act of humiliation, intended to demonstrate Dagon's dominance and to relegate the God of Israel to a subservient position, as a captive or subordinate deity within the Philistine pantheon. The subsequent narrative immediately and dramatically challenges and reverses this intended theological statement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow the unfolding narrative. **Irony** is immediately evident, as the Philistines, in their hubris, believe they have successfully captured and humiliated the God of Israel by placing His Ark in Dagon's temple. However, the subsequent events dramatically reveal that God is not subject to human control or the power of false idols, turning their moment of triumph into their own humiliation. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's impact, with the Ark representing the active, sovereign presence and power of Yahweh, and Dagon symbolizing the impotence, falsehood, and ultimate powerlessness of pagan deities. The physical placement of the Ark "by Dagon" is a symbolic act of subjugation that will be spectacularly reversed by divine intervention. The verse also utilizes **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as the Philistines' seemingly triumphant act immediately sets up the dramatic, divinely orchestrated events of the following verses, where Dagon's idol repeatedly falls before the Ark, foreshadowing God's ultimate and inevitable triumph over all false gods and spiritual powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The placement of the Ark of God in Dagon's temple is a profound theological statement, not by the Philistines' design, but by divine orchestration. It sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all created things, including pagan deities and human power structures. The Lord, the true and living God, cannot be confined, controlled, or diminished by human actions or the existence of false gods. This narrative powerfully asserts that idolatry is not merely a misguided belief but an affront to the Creator, and false gods are utterly powerless before Him. God's defense of His own glory and name in this episode underscores His uniqueness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. This event serves as a timeless reminder that all human attempts to elevate anything above God—be it wealth, power, ideology, or self—are ultimately futile and will inevitably collapse before His supreme authority.

* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Fall of Bel and Nebo")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of the Ark in Dagon's temple offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that God's sovereignty is not contingent upon human circumstances, our perceived victories, or even our faithfulness. Even when His people fail or when the symbols of His presence seem to be captured or desecrated, God remains enthroned, actively defending His own glory. For us, this means we must never allow anything in our lives to usurp the place of God. Modern "Dagons" can take many forms: career, wealth, relationships, social status, personal achievements, or even our own self-sufficiency. This passage challenges us to examine what we truly worship and where we place our ultimate trust. It reassures us that no idol, no ideology, and no opposing force can ultimately stand against the Lord. Our faith is not in a God who needs our defense, but in a God who defends His own name and ultimately triumphs over all that opposes Him, even when the battle seems lost from a human perspective. We are called to trust in His unshakeable power and to live in light of His absolute supremacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Dagons" or idols might I be inadvertently setting up in my own life, giving them a place of prominence that belongs only to God?**
* **How does the narrative of God's self-vindication in 1 Samuel 5 encourage me when circumstances seem to suggest God's absence or defeat?**
* **In what ways do I tend to rely on my own strength or human strategies rather than trusting in God's sovereign power to defend His name and purposes?**
* **How can I more consistently acknowledge and live out the truth of God's unchallengeable sovereignty in my daily decisions and perspectives?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Philistines placing the Ark "by Dagon"?**

Answer: The act of placing the Ark "by Dagon" was a profound statement of religious and military triumph. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common practice for victorious nations to bring the captured gods or sacred symbols of their defeated enemies into the temples of their own deities. This was meant to signify that the victor's god had proven superior to the vanquished god, effectively making the enemy's deity a subordinate, a captive, or a trophy within their own pantheon. By setting the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized the presence of the God of Israel, next to Dagon, the Philistines intended to publicly declare Dagon's supremacy over Yahweh and to humiliate the God of Israel as a defeated deity. However, as the subsequent narrative in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines") vividly demonstrates, this act of intended subjugation immediately backfired, revealing the true power and sovereignty of the Lord over all false gods.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of God's triumph over Dagon in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers and principalities. Just as the Ark, representing God's active presence, could not be held captive or diminished by a pagan idol, so too Christ, the incarnate presence of God, could not be held by death or the grave. His crucifixion, seemingly a defeat, was in fact the strategic triumph over the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true and living God who has conquered sin, death, and the devil, holding the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). The fall of Dagon before the Ark is a prophetic picture of every false god, every human ideology, and every spiritual foe ultimately bowing the knee before the supreme authority of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, God's sovereignty is not merely displayed but fully actualized, ensuring that all who trust in Him share in His eternal victory, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 16:23

Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

1 Chronicles 10:10

And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Daniel 5:2

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

Habakkuk 1:16

Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion [is] fat, and their meat plenteous.

Habakkuk 1:11

Then shall [his] mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, [imputing] this his power unto his god.