King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 5:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 5:7 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 5:7 · KJV


Context

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.

6

But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods , even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

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.

8

They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.

9

And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological insight do the Philistines show that Israel's elders lacked?
  2. How does the Ark's presence affect both Dagon and his worshippers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּרְא֥וּ1 of 19

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אַנְשֵֽׁי2 of 19

And when the men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד3 of 19

of Ashdod

H795

ashdod, a place in palestine

כִּֽי4 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֵ֑ן5 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וְאָֽמְר֗וּ6 of 19

that it was so they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא7 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵשֵׁ֞ב8 of 19

shall not abide

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֲר֨וֹן9 of 19

The ark

H727

a box

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃10 of 19

of the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙11 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עִמָּ֔נוּ12 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּֽי13 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָשְׁתָ֤ה14 of 19

is sore

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

יָדוֹ֙15 of 19

with us for his hand

H3027

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

עָלֵ֔ינוּ16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְעַ֖ל17 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דָּג֥וֹן18 of 19

upon us and upon Dagon

H1712

dagon, a philistine deity

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃19 of 19

of the 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


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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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