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.

Therefore neither the priests {H3548} of Dagon {H1712}, nor any that come {H935} into Dagon's {H1712} house {H1004}, tread {H1869} on the threshold {H4670} of Dagon {H1712} in Ashdod {H795} unto this day {H3117}.

This is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and those entering his temple never walk on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod.

That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold.

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 5:5 describes a unique custom practiced by the priests and worshippers of Dagon in Ashdod, a direct result of the dramatic events involving the Ark of the Covenant.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of the Ark of God's presence in the Philistine city of Ashdod, specifically within the temple of their chief deity, Dagon. After the Philistines captured the Ark from Israel (1 Samuel 4:11), they placed it triumphantly in Dagon's temple. However, on two consecutive mornings, Dagon's idol was found prostrate before the Ark. The second time, Dagon was not just fallen but utterly broken: its head and hands were severed and lay upon the temple's threshold (1 Samuel 5:4). This public humiliation of their god led to the custom mentioned in verse 5, where the Philistine priests and worshippers would avoid stepping on the threshold where Dagon's broken pieces lay, treating it as a defiled or sacred spot. This custom persisted "unto this day," meaning until the time the book of Samuel was written or compiled, demonstrating the lasting impact of God's intervention.

Key Themes

  • The Supremacy of Yahweh: The primary message is the absolute power and sovereignty of the God of Israel over all false gods. Dagon, a prominent Philistine deity, was utterly powerless and humiliated in the presence of the Ark, which represented God's presence. This demonstrated that the true God does not share His glory with idols (Isaiah 42:8).
  • The Folly of Idolatry: The broken statue of Dagon serves as a powerful symbol of the futility and impotence of worshipping man-made images. Idols cannot protect themselves, let alone their worshippers (Psalm 115:4-7). The Philistines' superstitious avoidance of the threshold implicitly acknowledges the superior power at play.
  • Lasting Impact of Divine Judgment: The custom of avoiding the threshold, which persisted "unto this day," highlights the profound and lasting impression God's judgment made on the Philistines. It was a tangible, ritualistic reminder of the event and Dagon's defeat.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "threshold" is miptan (מִפְתָּן). In this context, it refers to the very spot where Dagon's head and hands were found, emphasizing the completeness of Dagon's disgrace. The custom of not treading on it suggests either a superstitious reverence for the defiled spot or an attempt to avoid a similar fate, acknowledging the mysterious power that caused Dagon's downfall. This avoidance became a ritualistic act for the priests of Dagon and those who visited his temple in Ashdod, reinforcing the unforgettable event.

Practical Application

This historical account from 1 Samuel 5:5 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today:

  • God's Unchallengeable Authority: We are encouraged to trust in the one true God, who remains supreme over all earthly powers, ideologies, and false gods that seek to usurp His place in our lives or in the world. His sovereignty is absolute.
  • Beware of Modern Idols: While we may not bow to statues, anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts – money, power, fame, comfort, even relationships – can become an idol. This passage calls us to examine our allegiances and ensure God is truly first, recognizing the futility of worshipping anything other than Him.
  • God's Presence Transforms: Just as the Ark's presence brought judgment to Dagon, the presence of God in our lives (through the Holy Spirit) should expose and challenge anything that is contrary to His will, leading to transformation and a clearer understanding of His glory.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zephaniah 1:9 (7 votes)

    In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

  • Psalms 115:4 (3 votes)

    Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

  • Psalms 115:7 (3 votes)

    They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

  • Psalms 135:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

  • Psalms 135:18 (2 votes)

    They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

  • Joshua 5:15 (2 votes)

    And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy. And Joshua did so.