King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 5:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 5:1 in the King James Version says “And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

1 Samuel 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

2

When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

3

And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Ark's journey into Philistine territory moves from Ebenezer (stone of help) to Ashdod - from the place that should have marked divine aid to the center of Dagon worship. The geographical movement traces the Ark's captivity but also sets the stage for God's self-vindication. What appears to be Yahweh's defeat will become His triumph. The Philistines think they have captured Israel's God; they will discover they have brought judgment into their own land.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ashdod was one of the five major Philistine cities (pentapolis), located on the coastal plain. It housed a significant temple to Dagon, the Philistines' chief deity. Bringing captured religious objects to one's own temple was standard ancient Near Eastern practice to demonstrate divine superiority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What did the Philistines think they had accomplished by capturing the Ark?
  2. How does God use apparent defeat to demonstrate His power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּפְלִשְׁתִּים֙1 of 9

And the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לָֽקְח֔וּ2 of 9

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֖ת3 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֣וֹן4 of 9

the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים5 of 9

of God

H430

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

וַיְבִאֻ֛הוּ6 of 9

and brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֵאֶ֥בֶן7 of 9
H0
הָעֵ֖זֶר8 of 9

it from Ebenezer

H72

eben-ha-ezer, a place in palestine

אַשְׁדּֽוֹדָה׃9 of 9

unto Ashdod

H795

ashdod, a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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