1 Samuel 5:1
1 Samuel 5:1 in Multiple Translations
After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod,
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.
Now the Philistines had taken the ark of God, and they brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.
Now the Philistines, having taken the ark of God, took it with them from Eben-ezer to Ashdod.
After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
Then the Philistims tooke the Arke of God and caried it from Eben-ezer vnto Ashdod,
And the Philistines have taken the ark of God, and bring it in from Eben-Ezer to Ashdod,
Now the Philistines had taken God’s ark, and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer to Ashdod.
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and carried it from the Stone of help into Azotus.
After the army of the Philistia people-group captured God’s sacred chest in Ebenezer town, they took it to Ashdod which is one of their biggest cities.
So the Philistia mob stole God’s special box. They took it from Ebenezer to a town called Ashdod, in Philistia country.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 5:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
לָֽקְח֔וּ
אֵ֖ת
אֲר֣וֹן
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יְבִאֻ֛/הוּ
מֵ/אֶ֥בֶן
הָעֵ֖זֶר
אַשְׁדּֽוֹדָ/ה
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Conj | Ngmpa
לָֽקְח֔וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/יְבִאֻ֛/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
מֵ/אֶ֥בֶן
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
Ebenezer
Conj | N-proper
הָעֵ֖זֶר
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
Ebenezer
N-proper
אַשְׁדּֽוֹדָ/ה
ʼAshdôwd
H795
Ashdod
N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:1
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Conj | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
לָֽקְח֔וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲר֣וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יְבִאֻ֛/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מֵ/אֶ֥בֶן
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
"Ebenezer"
Conj | N-proper
Ebenezer is a place in Palestine where God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines, marked by a memorial stone erected by Samuel. It means stone of help.
Definition: § Ebenezer = "stone of help" memorial stone erected by Samuel to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines-north of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ebenezer. See also: 1 Samuel 4:1; 1 Samuel 5:1; 1 Samuel 7:12.
הָעֵ֖זֶר
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
"Ebenezer"
N-proper
Ebenezer is a place in Palestine where God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines, marked by a memorial stone erected by Samuel. It means stone of help.
Definition: § Ebenezer = "stone of help" memorial stone erected by Samuel to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines-north of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ebenezer. See also: 1 Samuel 4:1; 1 Samuel 5:1; 1 Samuel 7:12.
אַשְׁדּֽוֹדָ/ה
ʼAshdôwd
H795
"Ashdod"
N-proper | Suff
Ashdod refers to a powerful Philistine city on the Mediterranean Sea, west of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the Bible as a major city. The name means powerful.
Definition: § Ashdod = "powerful" a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean Sea west from Jerusalem, modern Esdud
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ahdod. See also: Joshua 11:22; 1 Samuel 6:17; Isaiah 20:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 5:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:1
Context — The Ark Afflicts the Philistines
1After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod,
2carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. 3When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 7:12 | Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 4:1 | Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. |
| 3 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 4:22 | “The glory has departed from Israel,” she said, “for the ark of God has been captured.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 4:17–18 | The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. |
| 6 | Joshua 11:22 | No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. |
| 7 | Acts 8:40 | But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through that region, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 4:11 | The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. |
| 9 | Psalms 78:61 | He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. |
1 Samuel 5:1 Summary
This verse tells us that the Philistines took the ark of God, which was a special box that represented God's presence among His people, from Ebenezer to Ashdod. They did this to show off their victory over the Israelites, but they didn't realize the power and holiness of the God of Israel, as seen in Psalm 24:8 and Isaiah 6:1-5. This event serves as a reminder to always approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His power and authority in our lives, as noted in Proverbs 1:7 and Romans 11:22. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the Israelites did in Psalm 23:1-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines take the ark of God to Ashdod?
The Philistines took the ark of God to Ashdod to display their victory over the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:1, but they were unaware of the power and holiness of God, as noted in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 115:3.
What is the significance of Ebenezer in this verse?
Ebenezer was the location where the Israelites had previously set up a stone of remembrance, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:1 and 1 Samuel 7:12, and it served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and presence among His people, as noted in Joshua 4:20-24.
What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse?
The Philistines' actions demonstrate a lack of reverence and respect for the one true God, as seen in Romans 1:18-23, and serve as a reminder to always approach God with humility and fear, as noted in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Psalm 111:10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's relationship with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and Deuteronomy 7:6-11, and serves as a reminder of God's power and holiness, as noted in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have tried to 'capture' or 'control' God in my own life, and how has He responded?
- How can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God in my daily life, as seen in this verse?
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I need to surrender to God, just as the Philistines were forced to surrender their idol Dagon?
- How can I apply the lessons of this verse to my own relationships with others, particularly in regards to humility and respect?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:1
And the Philistines took the ark of God,.... Which fell into their hands, Israel being beaten, and caused to flee, and the priests that had the care of the ark slain; and when possessed of it, they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:1
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. Ashdod - or Azotus, one of the five Philistine satrapies, and a place of great strength.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 5 The Philistines place the ark of God at Ashdod in the house of Dagon; which falls down, once and again, . They of Ashdod are smitten with emerods; they send the ark to Gath, . They are also smitten with emerods, and send the ark to Ekron; they resolve to return it back to the Israelites, . Quest. Why were not they immediately killed, who touched the ark, as afterwards Uzzah was? . Answ. First, Because the sin of the Philistines was not so great, because the law forbidding this was not given, or at least was not known to them; whereas Uzzah’ s fact was a transgression, and that of a known law. Secondly, Because God designed to reserve the Philistines for a more public and more shameful punishment, which had been prevented by this. From Eben-ezer; where they found it in the camp of the Israelites, . Ashdod, called also Azotus; whither they brought it, either because it was the first city in their way, or rather because it was a great and famous city, and most eminent for the worship of their great god Dagon.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
1 Samuel 5:1 And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.Ver. 1. And the Philistines took the ark of God.] Which had been so greatly abused by the Israelites, that God justly suffered it to be taken from them by the Philistines; to whom also it proved as fatal as the gold of Tholouse to the Romans. See 1 Samuel 4:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
(1) The Philistines took the ark of God.—The sacred writer concerns himself after the battle of Aphek only with the future of the Ark of the Covenant, and says nothing of the fate of Shiloh after the rout of the Israelites and the death of the high priest. We can, however, from Psalms 78:60-64, and two passages in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:12; Jeremiah 26:9), complete the story of the sanctuary city after the death of Eli. After the victory of Aphek, the Philistines, flushed with success, probably at once marched on Shiloh, where, from the words of the above quoted Psalm, they seem to have revenged themselves for past injuries by a terrible massacre, and then to have razed the sacred buildings of the city to the ground. The awful fate of the priestly city seems to have become a proverb in Israel. “This house shall be like Shiloh,” wrote Jeremiah, hundreds of years later, and “this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant.” Yet, in spite of this crushing blow, the national life of the Hebrew people was by no means exterminated; we shall soon hear of its revival under happier auspices. There were others in Israel like Samuel, who, as we have seen, with all their hearts trusted in that Lord who, “when Israel was a child, then He loved him;” others like that weak but still righteous judge Eli, who for one great weakness had paid so awful a penalty; many others, like the wife of Phinehas, the wicked priest, and Elkanah and Hannah, the pious father and mother of Samuel, who dwelt in “Ramah of the Watchers.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
CHAPTER V The Philistines set up the ark in the temple of Dagon at Ashdod; whose image is found next morning prostrate before it, broken in pieces, 1-5. The Philistines are also smitten with a sore disease, 6. The people of Ashdod refuse to let the ark stay with them; and the lords of the Philistines, with whom they consulted, order it to be carried to Gath, 7, 8. They do so; and God smites the inhabitants of that city, young and old, with the same disease, 9. They send the ark to Ekron, and a heavy destruction falls upon that city, and they resolve to send it back to Shiloh, 10-12. NOTES ON CHAP. V Verse 1. Brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.] Ashdod or Azotus was one of the five satrapies or lordships of the Philistines.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:1
Ch. 1 Samuel 5:1-12. Chastisement of the Philistines for the Removal of the Ark 1. Ashdod] Ashdod (in Greek Azotus, Acts 8:40), one of the five cities of the Philistine league, was situated on an eminence near the sea, about 35 miles W. of Jerusalem. It was a place of great strength, and special importance, from its position on the high road between Syria and Egypt. It was assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:47), but never conquered till the reign of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:6). The Assyrian king Sargon’s ‘Tartan’ (i.e. General) took it about b.c. 716, and about b.c. 630 it proved its strength by resisting Psammitichus king of Egypt for 29 years. It was destroyed by Jonathan Maccabaeus (1Ma 10:84), but rebuilt after the Roman conquest of Judaea. The village of Es-dûd still preserves the ancient name and site.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:1
1. From Eben-ezer unto Ashdod — A distance of nearly thirty miles. Ashdod — in Greek, Azotus (Acts 8:40) — was one of the five chief cities of Philistia, (Joshua 13:3,) and the principal seat of the worship of Dagon.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Trumpet Solo by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He begins by describing how the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the East gathered t |
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Ebenezer - Part 1 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas preaches about the significance of remembering God's help through the concept of Ebenezer, emphasizing the importance of worship and personal revival. He encourages beli |
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Ebenezer - Part 2 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas emphasizes the journey of spiritual development and maturity, using the concept of Ebenezer as a reminder that God can lead us from a place of struggle to a place of est |
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Hitherto by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about reflecting on the past faithfulness of God with the phrase 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' acknowledging God's continuous help through various |
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I Samuel 7:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on the past, present, and future in his sermon 'Facing the New Year,' emphasizing that the Lord has helped us thus far. He encourages looking back at God's fai |
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Reflections on the New Year by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade reflects on the commencement of a new year, acknowledging the passage of time and the importance of gratitude for God's help throughout the year. He emphasizes the nee |
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Ichabod: The Glory Departed by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes that many preachers today are not delivering God's message but their own opinions and worldly philosophies to entertain people. T |