Judges 16:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} gathered them together {H622} for to offer {H2076} a great {H1419} sacrifice {H2077} unto Dagon {H1712} their god {H430}, and to rejoice {H8057}: for they said {H559}, Our god {H430} hath delivered {H5414} Samson {H8123} our enemy {H341} into our hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The chiefs of the P'lishtim assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. As they celebrated they sang, "Our god has handed over to us our enemy Shimshon."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.”

American Standard Version

And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:23 depicts a moment of perceived triumph for the Philistines, as their lords convene to offer a grand sacrifice and celebration to Dagon, their chief deity. They attribute Samson's capture—the formidable Israelite judge who had long plagued them—to the power and intervention of their god. This public display of worship and rejoicing not only highlights the deep-seated idolatry of Israel's enemies but also sets the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated climax of Samson's story.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the tragic account of Samson's betrayal by Delilah, his loss of strength, and his subsequent capture, blinding, and imprisonment by the Philistines in Gaza, where he was forced to grind grain (Judges 16:18-21). The Philistine lords' decision to gather for a "great sacrifice" and to "rejoice" is a direct response to their perceived victory over Samson, the man who had tormented them for twenty years (Judges 15:20; Judges 16:31). Their celebration, rooted in the belief that Dagon had delivered their enemy, serves as a narrative setup for Samson's final, redemptive act of vengeance and self-sacrifice, which will occur in the very temple where this celebration is taking place (Judges 16:24-30). The narrative skillfully builds tension, contrasting the Philistines' hubris with the unseen hand of God at work, even in Samson's apparent defeat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful, non-Semitic people who had settled in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, establishing five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. They were a formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy, known for their superior military technology (especially iron weaponry) and distinct religious practices. Dagon was their chief deity, often depicted as a half-human, half-fish figure or an agricultural god, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Public religious festivals, involving sacrifices, feasting, and revelry, were common in the ancient Near East, serving to solidify communal identity and express gratitude or supplication to their gods. The Philistines' attribution of military victory to their god was typical of the ancient world, where national deities were believed to actively participate in the affairs of their people, especially in warfare. This particular celebration underscores the deep religious and cultural chasm between the Philistines and the Israelites, whose God, Yahweh, was sovereign over all nations and false deities.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 16:23 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive **idolatry** of the Philistines, contrasting their worship of a false god, Dagon, with the covenant relationship Israel was meant to have with Yahweh. Their attributing Samson's capture to Dagon directly challenges the sovereignty of the true God. Secondly, the verse showcases **human pride and presumption**, as the Philistines boast of their god's power, unaware that their triumph is temporary and part of God's larger, often paradoxical, plan. This hubris foreshadows their imminent downfall. Thirdly, it implicitly underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, as Samson's weakened state and capture were a direct result of his repeated disregard for his [Nazarite vow](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow"). While the Philistines credit Dagon, the biblical narrative consistently reveals that Samson's vulnerability stemmed from his own spiritual compromise. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **divine sovereignty**, even in apparent defeat. Though it seems Dagon has triumphed, the unfolding events of [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson's End") demonstrate that God remains in control, using even the Philistines' celebration to bring about His purposes of judgment against His enemies and deliverance for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dagon (Hebrew, _dāgôn'_):** The chief god of the Philistines, often associated with fertility, grain (_dāgān_), or fish (_dāg_). His worship was central to Philistine religious life, and temples dedicated to him were prominent in their cities. The Philistines' attributing Samson's capture to Dagon demonstrates their deep devotion and belief in his power, setting up a direct theological confrontation with the God of Israel, who would later dramatically humble Dagon before the Ark of the Covenant in [1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark").
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** Refers to a communal offering, typically involving the slaughter of animals, followed by a feast. This was a significant public religious act, often performed as an act of thanksgiving, celebration, or to seek divine favor. The description of it as a "great sacrifice" indicates its scale and importance, emphasizing the Philistines' profound gratitude and devotion to Dagon for what they perceived as a decisive victory.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** Meaning "to give," "to put," or "to hand over." In this context, it implies divine agency—the Philistines believed Dagon had actively "handed over" or "given" Samson into their power. This verb choice underscores their conviction that their god was directly responsible for their triumph, highlighting their theological worldview where deities intervened directly in human affairs, especially warfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together":** This phrase emphasizes the collective and official nature of the event. The "lords" (Hebrew: _seranim_) were the rulers or chieftains of the five Philistine city-states, indicating that this was a major, coordinated national celebration. Their gathering signifies the importance of the occasion and their unified sense of victory over their long-standing enemy.
* **"for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice":** This clause reveals the dual purpose of the assembly: religious devotion and celebratory revelry. The "great sacrifice" underscores the magnitude of their perceived victory and their profound gratitude to Dagon. Their "rejoicing" was a natural expression of their relief and triumph over Samson, who had been a constant source of terror and humiliation for them. This public act of worship was designed to glorify Dagon and reinforce his perceived power among the people.
* **"for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for their celebration and sacrifice. It highlights their conviction that Dagon was the agent of their success. They proudly proclaim that their deity had actively intervened to hand over Samson, their formidable "enemy," into their control. This statement is laden with dramatic **irony**, as the reader knows that Samson's capture was ultimately a consequence of his own spiritual compromise and part of God's larger, sovereign plan, rather than a genuine triumph of Dagon over Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is paramount; the Philistines attribute Samson's capture to Dagon, yet the biblical narrative consistently reveals God's overarching sovereignty, even in Samson's apparent defeat. This celebration of Dagon's "victory" ultimately becomes the setting for Dagon's public humiliation and the Philistines' destruction. There is also a strong element of **foreshadowing**, as this grand assembly in Dagon's temple sets the stage for Samson's final, climactic act of vengeance, which will bring down the very structure where they are celebrating. The verse also utilizes **contrast** by juxtaposing the Philistines' fervent idolatry and their reliance on a false god with the implied truth of Yahweh's supreme power, subtly highlighting the spiritual conflict between Israel and its pagan neighbors. Finally, the Philistines' boastful declaration exemplifies **hubris**, a dangerous overconfidence that precedes their fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:23 serves as a stark reminder of the enduring conflict between the true God and false idols, a central theme throughout the Old Testament. The Philistines' fervent worship of Dagon and their attribution of Samson's capture to him underscore the spiritual blindness and misplaced faith inherent in idolatry. This scene perfectly illustrates the biblical truth that human beings will always worship something; if not the Creator, then the creation. However, the narrative implicitly asserts God's ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating that even in moments of apparent defeat for His people, and apparent triumph for pagan deities, Yahweh remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. This event foreshadows the ultimate humiliation of Dagon before the Ark of the Covenant, a powerful demonstration of God's supremacy over all false gods.

* [1 Samuel 5:1-5](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-5 - Dagon's Humiliation Before the Ark")
* [Psalm 115:3-8](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3-8 - Our God is in the Heavens")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 16:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine what or whom we credit for our successes and victories. Like the Philistines, it is easy to attribute favorable outcomes to our own strength, cleverness, or even to impersonal forces like "luck" or "fate," rather than acknowledging the sovereign hand of God. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that all blessings and even perceived setbacks are ultimately under God's control. It reminds us that God can use even our failures and the triumphs of our adversaries to advance His greater purposes. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful warning against modern forms of idolatry—anything that takes the place of God in our lives, whether it be wealth, power, reputation, comfort, or even self-reliance. True security and lasting joy are found only in worshipping and trusting the one true God, who is sovereign over all circumstances and all false gods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or sources do I tend to credit for my successes, rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty?**
* **How do I respond when adversaries seem to triumph, or when I experience personal failure? Do I trust in God's unseen hand?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to modern forms of idolatry, giving undue devotion or trust to something other than God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent attitude of humility and gratitude, recognizing God's ultimate control in all areas of my life?**

### FAQ

**Who was Dagon, and why was he so important to the Philistines?**

Answer: Dagon was the chief deity worshipped by the Philistines, a powerful people who were Israel's primary adversaries during the period of the Judges. While his exact origins are debated, he is commonly understood to be a fertility god associated with grain (Hebrew: _dagan_) and possibly a fish god (Hebrew: _dag_). His importance stemmed from his perceived role in ensuring agricultural prosperity and military success for the Philistines. They believed he actively intervened in their affairs, as evidenced by their declaration in [Judges 16:23](/judges/16-23 "Judges 16:23 - Philistines Credit Dagon") that he "delivered Samson our enemy into our hand." His prominence is further highlighted in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - Dagon Humbled by the Ark"), where his idol famously falls and breaks before the Ark of the Covenant, demonstrating the true God's supremacy.

**Why did God allow Samson to be captured and humiliated by the Philistines if he was God's chosen deliverer?**

Answer: Samson's capture was not a sign of Dagon's superiority or God's weakness, but rather a direct consequence of Samson's repeated disobedience and disregard for his Nazarite vow, particularly his compromise with Delilah (see [Judges 16:18-20](/judges/16-18 "Judges 16:18-20 - Samson's Betrayal")). While God had empowered Samson, His power was contingent on Samson's faithfulness to the terms of his vow. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Samson's humiliation to expose his sin and to set the stage for a final, powerful demonstration of His own justice and power through Samson's ultimate act of faith and sacrifice. Even in Samson's apparent defeat, God was working His plan to bring judgment upon the Philistines and deliver His people, albeit through unconventional and painful means (as seen in [Judges 16:28-30](/judges/16-28 "Judges 16:28-30 - Samson's Final Act")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 16:23, with its depiction of the Philistines' false triumph and their misplaced worship of Dagon, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Jesus over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as the Philistines rejoiced over Samson's apparent defeat, the powers of darkness and the world rejoiced when Jesus was crucified, believing they had triumphed over the Son of God. Yet, the cross, which appeared to be the ultimate humiliation and defeat, was in fact God's sovereign plan for the world's redemption, a divine strategy to disarm and make a public spectacle of the spiritual forces of evil (Colossians 2:15). The Philistines credited Dagon for delivering Samson into their hands, but in Christ, God Himself "delivered him up for us all" (Romans 8:32), turning apparent defeat into ultimate victory. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was delivered into the hands of His enemies, not because of their power or the weakness of God, but according to the "definite plan and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). His resurrection from the dead, three days later, decisively demonstrated that the "gods" of this world—whether idols of power, wealth, or even death itself—are utterly powerless before the living God. Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, the true God has forever triumphed over all false deities and spiritual adversaries, offering true deliverance and eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:19-23).

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

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.

1 Samuel 5:5

Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.

Proverbs 24:17

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

1 Chronicles 10:10

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

Psalms 35:15

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear [me], and ceased not:

Psalms 35:16

With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

Job 30:9

And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.