King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 5:7 Mean?
“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.”
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible CommentaryJud 20:29-48. They Destroy All the Benjamites, Except Six Hundred.
**29-48. And Israel set liers-in-wait round about Gibeah--**A plan was formed of taking that city by stratagem, similar to that employed in the capture of Ai [Jos 8:9].
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge