1 Samuel 5:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Samuel 5:2 describes the Philistines' immediate action after capturing the sacred Ark of the Covenant, placing it as a trophy in the temple of their chief deity, Dagon.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following their decisive victory over Israel at Ebenezer, recounted in 1 Samuel 4:11, the Philistines seized the Ark of God. This was a catastrophic event for Israel, symbolizing the apparent departure of God's presence and glory (see Ichabod in 1 Samuel 4:21). The Philistines, unaware of the true nature of the God of Israel, treated the Ark as a war spoil. Their action of bringing it into the "house of Dagon" in Ashdod was a customary act of pagan triumph. Dagon was a prominent Philistine god, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish deity, associated with grain and fertility. By placing the Ark "by Dagon," they intended to demonstrate Dagon's supremacy over the God of Israel, effectively making the Lord a subordinate deity or a captive god in their pantheon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • 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.
  • The Folly and Impotence of Idolatry: The Philistines' attempt to elevate Dagon above the Lord quickly reveals the worthlessness of their idol. This sets the stage for the dramatic events in the subsequent verses, where Dagon repeatedly falls before the Ark, symbolizing the true God's ultimate victory over all false deities and human constructs (as Psalm 115:4-8 describes the impotence of idols).
  • God's 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.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of Dagon" refers to the temple or sanctuary dedicated to the Philistine deity. The word "Dagon" itself is thought by some scholars to be related to the Hebrew word for "fish" (dag), aligning with later iconography, though others link it to "grain" (dagan), reflecting his role as a fertility god. Regardless, the act of setting the Ark "by Dagon" was a deliberate religious and political statement, asserting dominance. The Hebrew text simply states "by Dagon" (אֵצֶל דָּגוֹן, 'etzel Dagon), implying a position of subservience for the Ark, a position the true God would immediately challenge.

Practical Application

This verse, and the chapters that follow, powerfully illustrate that God cannot be confined or controlled by human schemes, nor can His authority be challenged by false gods or ideologies. Even when circumstances seem to suggest God's defeat or absence, His sovereignty remains absolute. For believers today, this passage serves as a reminder to never elevate anything—be it wealth, power, or personal achievements—to a position of worship above the true God. It also offers assurance that God will ultimately triumph over all forces that oppose Him, demonstrating His power even when His people are weak or unfaithful. Our trust must always be in Him alone, for there is no other god like Him.

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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.
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