1 Samuel 5:4

KJV

And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands [were] cut off upon the threshold; only [the stump of] Dagon was left to him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they arose early {H7925} on the morrow {H4283} morning {H1242}, behold, Dagon {H1712} was fallen {H5307} upon his face {H6440} to the ground {H776} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}; and the head {H7218} of Dagon {H1712} and both {H8147} the palms {H3709} of his hands {H3027} were cut off {H3772} upon the threshold {H4670}; only the stump of Dagon {H1712} was left {H7604} to him.

Complete Jewish Bible

but early the following morning, when they got up, Dagon was again fallen down with his face to the ground before the ark of ADONAI; this time, the head of Dagon and both hands lay there, severed, on the threshold; all that was left of Dagon was his torso.

Berean Standard Bible

But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained.

American Standard Version

And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of Jehovah; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands lay cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 5:4 vividly narrates the second and more devastating collapse of the Philistine idol Dagon before the captured Ark of the LORD within his temple in Ashdod. After Dagon was found fallen the previous day and subsequently re-erected, this verse describes a divinely orchestrated event where Dagon's head and both palms of his hands were severed and lay upon the threshold, leaving only his "stump." This dramatic and undeniable scene powerfully asserts the absolute supremacy of the God of Israel over all false deities, demonstrating His sovereignty and the utter futility of idolatry in a direct and humiliating manner.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's capture and its subsequent journey through Philistine territory, spanning [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured") through [1 Samuel 6](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark Returns"). Following Israel's devastating defeat by the Philistines and the Ark's seizure in [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark Captured"), the Philistines brought it to Ashdod and placed it as a trophy in the temple of their chief deity, Dagon. The preceding verse, [1 Samuel 5:3](/1_samuel/5-3 "1 Samuel 5:3 - Dagon's First Fall"), describes Dagon’s initial fall, face down before the Ark, an event the Philistines seemingly dismissed as an accident and promptly rectified. Verse 4, however, escalates the divine judgment, making it unequivocally clear that this was no mere mishap but a deliberate act of the LORD, setting the stage for the plagues that would afflict Ashdod and other Philistine cities in the subsequent verses, beginning with [1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6 - Plagues on Ashdod"). This progression underscores the escalating nature of God's confrontation with idolatry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable seafaring people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, frequently engaging in conflict with the Israelites. Dagon was their principal deity, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish figure, and was associated with grain (Hebrew _dagan_) and fish (_dag_), symbolizing fertility and prosperity for their agricultural and maritime society. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, idols were widely believed to embody the actual presence and power of the deity they represented. Placing a captured god's symbol, such as the Ark of the Covenant, in a victor's temple was a common practice intended to signify the subjugation of the defeated deity and the triumph of the conquering god. However, the events in Dagon's temple dramatically subverted this cultural norm, demonstrating that the God of Israel could not be contained or subjugated by any foreign power or deity. The "threshold" (Hebrew _miphtân_) held significant cultural importance, often seen as a sacred or liminal space, a boundary between realms, making Dagon's dismemberment upon it particularly humiliating and symbolically potent.

* **Key Themes:** The events surrounding the Ark in Philistia, powerfully culminating in [1 Samuel 5:4](/1_samuel/5-4 "1 Samuel 5:4 - Dagon's Humiliation"), profoundly underscore the theme of **God's Unquestionable Supremacy**. The LORD, though His people Israel had been defeated due to their sin, asserts His absolute sovereignty even in enemy territory, proving He is not merely a tribal deity but the universal, living God over all creation. This narrative also highlights the **Futility of Idolatry**, as Dagon, a supposedly powerful god, is rendered utterly impotent and broken before the true God, serving as a stark reminder of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Furthermore, the account demonstrates **Divine Judgment and Warning**, as God's decisive actions against Dagon and the subsequent plagues on the Philistines ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - Plagues on Ashdod")) serve as a clear consequence for their disrespect of His holiness and their idolatry. This entire section of [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark in Philistia") reveals God's active presence and power, even when His people are in disarray, ensuring His glory is upheld among the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dagon (Hebrew, _Dâgôwn'_):** The chief deity of the Philistines, associated with grain (_dagan_) and fish (_dag_), symbolizing fertility and maritime power. His repeated fall and, especially, his dismemberment before the Ark of the LORD utterly invalidated his claims to power and demonstrated his utter impotence as a god, serving as a direct challenge to Philistine religious beliefs.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This verb signifies a decisive and violent severance, implying destruction or consumption. In the context of Dagon, it emphasizes the complete and irreversible dismemberment of his head and hands. This was not a mere break but a targeted, forceful act of divine judgment that rendered the idol utterly useless and incapable of function, symbolizing the complete destruction of its perceived power.
* **threshold (Hebrew, _miphtân'_):** This refers to the sill or doorstep of a building, specifically the entrance to Dagon's temple. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, thresholds were significant boundaries, often associated with entry, protection, or judgment. Dagon's severed head and hands lying upon the threshold signifies not just his humiliation but also a permanent defilement of his sacred space, making the threshold a place of perpetual reminder of the LORD's victory, as evidenced by the Philistine custom mentioned in [1 Samuel 5:5](/1_samuel/5-5 "1 Samuel 5:5 - Philistine Custom Regarding the Threshold").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD;":** This clause describes the repetition of the previous day's event ([1 Samuel 5:3](/1_samuel/5-3 "1 Samuel 5:3 - Dagon's First Fall")), but with heightened significance. The Philistines had reset Dagon, perhaps attributing the first fall to chance. The phrase "early on the morrow morning" emphasizes the immediate, undeniable nature of the divine intervention, occurring as soon as the priests returned. "Behold" draws attention to the astonishing sight, confirming that this was no accident but a deliberate, powerful act of God, asserting His presence and authority over the pagan deity.
* **"and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands [were] cut off upon the threshold;":** This is the crucial detail that distinguishes this fall from the first, elevating it from a mere collapse to a violent dismemberment. The severing of Dagon's head and hands is profoundly symbolic. In ancient thought, the head represented intellect, authority, and leadership, while the hands represented power, action, and capability. Their severance signifies Dagon's complete incapacitation, dishonor, and inability to act, think, or bless his worshippers. The location "upon the threshold" adds to the humiliation, as it is a place where one steps over, further desecrating the idol and its temple.
* **"only [the stump of] Dagon was left to him.":** This final phrase underscores the utter emasculation and futility of the idol. What remains is a mere trunk or torso, a lifeless, useless object. It is a powerful visual metaphor for the impotence of all false gods when confronted by the living God. Dagon is reduced to nothing more than a broken piece of wood or stone, incapable of offering any help or protection to his devotees, a stark contrast to the living and active God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 5:4](/1_samuel/5-4 "1 Samuel 5:4 - Dagon's Humiliation") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is prominently displayed, as the Philistines intended to display the Ark as a trophy signifying their god's superiority, only for their god to be repeatedly and humiliatingly defeated by the Ark's very presence. The **Symbolism** is rich: Dagon's head and hands symbolize his supposed power, intellect, and authority, which are utterly stripped away, rendering him inert. The "threshold" symbolizes a point of entry and judgment, becoming a permanent marker of God's decisive victory and Dagon's desecration. The Ark itself is a powerful symbol of God's holy presence, covenant, and active power. The passage also utilizes **Contrast** effectively, juxtaposing the living, active, and sovereign God of Israel with the lifeless, impotent, and broken idol Dagon. The **Repetition** of Dagon's fall from [1 Samuel 5:3](/1_samuel/5-3 "1 Samuel 5:3 - Dagon's First Fall") to [1 Samuel 5:4](/1_samuel/5-4 "1 Samuel 5:4 - Dagon's Humiliation") emphasizes the divine intervention and escalates the demonstration of God's power, moving from a mere fall to a complete dismemberment, leaving no room for doubt about the supernatural source of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of 1 Samuel 5:4 serve as an emphatic divine declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the spiritual realm and all false deities. This narrative dismantles the very notion of polytheism, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the unique, incomparable, and all-powerful Creator who tolerates no rivals. It underscores the inherent futility and emptiness of idolatry, demonstrating that man-made gods are powerless, lifeless objects incapable of defending themselves, let alone their worshippers. This scene is a powerful visual sermon against placing trust or worship in anything other than the living God, reinforcing the core tenet of monotheism central to Israel's covenant and God's unwavering demand for exclusive devotion.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene of Dagon's humiliation in 1 Samuel 5:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as an enduring reminder that the God we worship is not a passive or weak deity, but one who actively asserts His supremacy over all rival powers, whether ancient idols or modern-day distractions. In a world that constantly vies for our allegiance, this narrative challenges us to examine what "gods" might subtly occupy the throne of our hearts—be it career, wealth, personal comfort, reputation, or even self-reliance. Anything that displaces God from His rightful place of preeminence becomes a modern "Dagon" that needs to be toppled. This passage encourages unwavering trust in God's power, assuring us that no earthly philosophy, societal trend, or spiritual opposition can ultimately stand against His sovereign will. It calls us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness, recognizing that His presence, though no longer confined to a physical Ark, is manifest in His Word, His Spirit, and His Church. Our worship and daily lives should reflect this profound respect for His incomparable power and majesty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Dagons" might be subtly competing for supremacy in my life, demanding my time, energy, or ultimate allegiance?**
* **How does the absolute sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in this passage, impact my trust and confidence in Him when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness in my daily walk and corporate worship?**
* **How does the futility of Dagon contrast with the living, active presence of God in my life, and what does this mean for my priorities and spiritual practices?**

### FAQ
**Why was Dagon dismembered, not just fallen?**

Answer: Dagon's dismemberment, specifically the severing of his head and hands, was a deliberate and heightened act of divine judgment beyond his initial fall. The first fall ([1 Samuel 5:3](/1_samuel/5-3 "1 Samuel 5:3 - Dagon's First Fall")) could potentially be dismissed as an accident, but the second, more violent act left no room for doubt about its supernatural origin. The head symbolizes intellect, authority, and leadership, while the hands represent power, action, and capability. By severing these parts, God was symbolically and literally demonstrating Dagon's complete incapacitation, dishonor, and utter inability to act or think. This was a public, undeniable declaration of the LORD's absolute supremacy over the Philistine god, rendering Dagon utterly useless and humiliating him in his own temple. It was a clear sign that the God of Israel was not merely stronger, but the *only* true God, actively dismantling the illusion of pagan power.

**What is the significance of the "threshold" in this verse?**

Answer: The "threshold" (Hebrew _miphtân_) of Dagon's temple was a highly significant location. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, thresholds were often considered sacred or liminal spaces, marking the boundary between the sacred and profane, or between one's home and the outside world. They could be places of entry, judgment, or even protection. Dagon's head and hands being cut off and lying on the threshold signifies a profound desecration and humiliation. It means that the very entrance to his supposed sacred space was defiled by his own impotence, a public display of his defeat. This act made the threshold a permanent memorial of the LORD's victory, so much so that [1 Samuel 5:5](/1_samuel/5-5 "1 Samuel 5:5 - Philistine Custom Regarding the Threshold") records that the Philistine priests and worshippers thereafter avoided stepping on the threshold, a lasting cultural and religious acknowledgment of the power of the God of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene of Dagon's humiliation in 1 Samuel 5:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme demonstration of God's power over all rival forces. Just as Dagon, a false god of fertility and power, was utterly broken and rendered powerless before the Ark of the Covenant, so too did Jesus, the true [Ark of the New Covenant](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ") in whom the fullness of deity dwells, decisively triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers. His victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual "Dagons" of sin, death, and the devil, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The "stump" of Dagon, a lifeless remnant, stands in stark contrast to the living and resurrected Christ, who is the [head of the church](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church") and whose hands, though pierced, are now raised in blessing and authority, having all power in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that He is not merely a god among many, but the [Lord of lords and King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), before whom [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow") and every false deity will ultimately fall. He is the true temple where God's presence dwells, and His victory ensures that no idol, whether ancient or modern, can stand against His glorious and eternal reign.

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

Micah 1:7

And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

Isaiah 2:18

And the idols he shall utterly abolish.

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Jeremiah 10:11

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Ezekiel 6:4

And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain [men] before your idols.

Ezekiel 6:6

In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.