1 Samuel 5:7
And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְא֥וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֥וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אַנְשֵֽׁי
And when the men
H582
אַנְשֵֽׁי
And when the men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֵ֑ן
H3651
כֵ֑ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וְאָֽמְר֗וּ
that it was so they said
H559
וְאָֽמְר֗וּ
that it was so they said
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
6 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵשֵׁ֞ב
shall not abide
H3427
יֵשֵׁ֞ב
shall not abide
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
of the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
of the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 19
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
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עִמָּ֔נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָשְׁתָ֤ה
is sore
H7185
קָשְׁתָ֤ה
is sore
Strong's:
H7185
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
יָדוֹ֙
with us for his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
with us for his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
15 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Philistine acknowledgment of Yahweh's power over both people and their god represents significant theological recognition. Their conclusion that the Ark 'shall not abide' indicates they understood this was not merely incidental suffering but directed divine action.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological insight do the Philistines show that Israel's elders lacked?
- How does the Ark's presence affect both Dagon and his worshippers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The men of Ashdod draw the correct conclusion: 'The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.' They recognize both personal suffering and their deity's defeat. The phrase 'his hand is sore' acknowledges Yahweh's aggressive action. Remarkably, these pagans discern what Israel's leaders failed to see: the Ark represents a God who acts according to His own purposes, not one who can be manipulated. They know they cannot keep this Ark.