Dagon and Philistian Pirates

1 Samuel 5:1–5 KJV 1900

And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 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. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 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.

Dagon in the Book of Judges

Context:

The first mention of Dagon in the Bible occurs during the story of Samson, a judge of Israel, found in the Book of Judges.

Judges 16:23:

- Verse: "Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, 'Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.'"

- Context: After Samson is captured by the Philistines, they bring him to the temple of Dagon to celebrate their victory. The Philistines attribute their success to Dagon, showing their belief in his power and influence.

Dagon in the First Book of Samuel

Context:

- The Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of the God of Israel, was captured by the Philistines in a battle and brought to the temple of Dagon.

1 Samuel 5:1-5:

- Verses:

1. "After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod."

2. "Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon."

3. "When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place."

4. "But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained."

5. "That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon’s temple at Ashdod step on the threshold."

Significance:

- This passage highlights the superiority of the God of Israel over Dagon. The repeated fall of Dagon before the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the impotence of the Philistine god in the presence of Yahweh.

- The breaking of Dagon's head and hands further emphasizes his powerlessness and serves as a divine sign to the Philistines.

 Description and Attributes of Dagon

Origin and Worship:

- Dagon was a major deity worshipped by the Philistines and other ancient Near Eastern peoples, including the Canaanites.

- He was often associated with fertility, agriculture, and grain, which is reflected in his name, linked to the Hebrew word for grain ("dagan").

Depictions:

- Although the Bible does not provide a detailed physical description of Dagon, archaeological findings and historical records suggest that he was often depicted as a deity with a human upper body and a fish-like lower body.

- This hybrid form symbolizes his connection to both fertility (land/agriculture) and the sea.

Summary:

- Dagon in Judges: In Judges 16:23. Dagon is mentioned as the god to whom the Philistines attribute their victory over Samson, celebrating in his temple.

Dagon in 1 Samuel: In 1 Samuel 5:1-5, the Ark of the Covenant's presence in Dagon's temple leads to the repeated fall and eventual destruction of Dagon's statue, symbolizing the superiority of Yahweh over the Philistine god.

- Attributes: Dagon was a prominent deity associated with fertility and agriculture. He was often depicted as part human, part fish, reflecting his symbolic connection to both land and sea.

These passages illustrate the ongoing spiritual and physical conflicts between the Israelites and their neighbors and highlight the central theme of the supremacy of the God of Israel over other deities.