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.
Original Language Analysis
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
When the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
When the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
2 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיָּבִ֥אוּ
they brought
H935
וַיָּבִ֥אוּ
they brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֣ית
it into the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
it into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Judges 16:23Then 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 10:10And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.Daniel 5:23But 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:
Historical Context
Dagon was an ancient Semitic deity worshipped throughout Mesopotamia and Canaan. The Philistines adopted him as their chief god. Placing captured cultic objects in the victor's temple was standard practice (1 Samuel 31:10; 2 Kings 18:34), demonstrating divine and military superiority.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological statement did placing the Ark beside Dagon intend to make?
- How do people today position God's truth as subordinate to other authorities?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Philistines place the Ark in Dagon's temple 'by Dagon,' positioning it as inferior tribute or captive trophy. Standard ancient practice interpreted military victory as divine victory - Dagon had defeated Yahweh. The placement 'by' (or 'beside') Dagon suggests subordination. The Philistines interpret events through their theological framework: their god has triumphed over Israel's god. This theological claim is about to be dramatically refuted.