1 Samuel 5:5
1 Samuel 5:5 in Multiple Translations
That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold.
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.
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.
So to this day no priest of Dagon, or any who come into Dagon's house, will put his foot on the doorstep of the house of Dagon in Ashdod.
(That's why the priests of Dagon, and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod, don't tread on the doorstep, even up to now.)
Therefore the Priests of Dagon, and all that come into Dagons house tread not on the thresholde of Dagon in Ashdod, vnto this day.
therefore the priests of Dagon, and all those coming into the house of Dagon, tread not on the threshold of Dagon, in Ashdod, till this day.
Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor any who come into Dagon’s house step on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshhold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
And only the stump of Dagon remained in its place. For this cause neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that go into the temple tread on the threshold of Dagon in Azotus unto this day.
That is the reason that since that time, the priests of Dagon and everyone else who enters the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the doorsill where the hands and head of Dagon fell.
So Dagon’s workers, and everybody else, they did not want to walk through that door any more. They jumped through the doorway every time they went inside that house, so they would not step on the place where bits of Dagon used to be. And they still do that.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:5
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 5:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֡ן
לֹֽא
יִדְרְכוּ֩
כֹהֲנֵ֨י
דָג֜וֹן
וְ/כָֽל
הַ/בָּאִ֧ים
בֵּית
דָּג֛וֹן
עַל
מִפְתַּ֥ן
דָּג֖וֹן
בְּ/אַשְׁדּ֑וֹד
עַ֖ד
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/זֶּֽה
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֡ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִדְרְכוּ֩
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כֹהֲנֵ֨י
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-mp
דָג֜וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
וְ/כָֽל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/בָּאִ֧ים
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Art | V-Qal
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
דָּג֛וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִפְתַּ֥ן
miphtân
H4670
threshold
N-ms
דָּג֖וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
בְּ/אַשְׁדּ֑וֹד
ʼAshdôwd
H795
Ashdod
Prep | N-proper
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:5
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֡ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִדְרְכוּ֩
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
כֹהֲנֵ֨י
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
דָג֜וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
"Dagon"
N-proper
Dagon was a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish. In 1 Samuel 5:2, the Philistines placed the Ark of the Covenant in Dagon's temple, but God caused the idol to fall. The Philistines then returned the Ark to the Israelites.
Definition: § Dagon = "a fish" a Philistine deity of fertility; represented with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Dagon. See also: Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 10:10.
וְ/כָֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/בָּאִ֧ים
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Art | V-Qal
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.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
דָּג֛וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
"Dagon"
N-proper
Dagon was a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish. In 1 Samuel 5:2, the Philistines placed the Ark of the Covenant in Dagon's temple, but God caused the idol to fall. The Philistines then returned the Ark to the Israelites.
Definition: § Dagon = "a fish" a Philistine deity of fertility; represented with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Dagon. See also: Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 10:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִפְתַּ֥ן
miphtân
H4670
"threshold"
N-ms
A miphtan is a threshold or a sill, serving as the base of a door or entrance, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: threshold
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: threshold. See also: 1 Samuel 5:4; Ezekiel 10:18; Zephaniah 1:9.
דָּג֖וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
"Dagon"
N-proper
Dagon was a pagan god worshipped by the Philistines, often depicted as a half-man, half-fish. In 1 Samuel 5:2, the Philistines placed the Ark of the Covenant in Dagon's temple, but God caused the idol to fall. The Philistines then returned the Ark to the Israelites.
Definition: § Dagon = "a fish" a Philistine deity of fertility; represented with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Dagon. See also: Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Chronicles 10:10.
בְּ/אַשְׁדּ֑וֹד
ʼAshdôwd
H795
"Ashdod"
Prep | N-proper
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.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 5:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:5
Context — The Ark Afflicts the Philistines
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.
4But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained.
5That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold.
6Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors. 7And when the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay here with us, because His hand is heavy upon us and upon our god Dagon.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zephaniah 1:9 | On that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill the house of their master with violence and deceit. |
| 2 | Psalms 115:4–7 | Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. |
| 3 | Joshua 5:15 | The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. |
| 4 | Psalms 135:15–18 | The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
1 Samuel 5:5 Summary
The priests of Dagon and those who entered the temple did not step on the threshold because they feared the power of the Lord, who had broken their idol and demonstrated His authority. This story teaches us about the importance of reverence and respect for God's power, as seen in verses like Psalm 111:10, and reminds us that God will not tolerate idolatry, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5. It also shows us that God is a God of judgment, who will demonstrate His power to those who worship false gods. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to acknowledge God's authority in our own lives and turn away from anything that might be taking His place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the priests of Dagon and those entering the temple not step on the threshold?
They did so because of the incident where the idol Dagon fell before the ark of the Lord, resulting in its head and hands being broken off, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:3-4, and they likely feared the Lord's power and judgment.
Is this practice still observed today?
The Bible does not specify if this practice continued beyond the time of the writing of 1 Samuel, but it serves as a historical example of the impact of God's power on those who worship idols, similar to what is seen in Exodus 20:3-5.
What does this verse reveal about the character of God?
This verse shows that God is a God of power and judgment, who will not tolerate idolatry, as also seen in Deuteronomy 5:6-10, and will demonstrate His power to those who worship false gods.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Samuel?
This verse is part of the story of the ark of the Lord being taken by the Philistines and the subsequent judgments that fell upon them, illustrating God's sovereignty and power, as also seen in 1 Samuel 4:1-11 and 1 Samuel 7:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'thresholds' in my life where I need to acknowledge God's power and authority, just as the priests of Dagon did?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 5:5 to my own life, recognizing the importance of reverence and respect for God's power?
- How does the story of Dagon and the ark of the Lord inform my understanding of the nature of God and His relationship to idols and false worship?
- What are some areas where I may be 'worshiping idols' in my own life, and how can I apply the principles of 1 Samuel 5:5 to turn back to the one true God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:5
Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house,.... Neither the priests that continually attended the worship and service of Dagon, nor the people that came there to pay
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:5
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. Therefore neither the priests ... nor any ... tread on the threshold of Dagon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
Out of a religious reverence, supposing this place to be sanctified, by the touch of their god, who first fell here, and being broken here, touched it more thoroughly than he did other parts. This superstition of theirs was noted and censured long after, . Herein they manifested their stupendous folly, both in making a perpetual monument of their own and idol’ s shame, which in all reason they should rather have buried in eternal oblivion; and in turning a plain and certain argument of contempt into an occasion of further veneration. Unto this day; When this history was written, which if written by Samuel towards the end of his life, was a sufficient ground for this expression, this superstitious usage having then continued for many years.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
1 Samuel 5:5 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.Ver. 5. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, &c.] This they did either by way of veneration, as accounting the threshold sanctified by the touch of their idol. The Papists at this day, by a like superstition, refrain from treading on that part of mount Garganam, where the print of Michael the archangel’ s foot is to be seen in marble. Or else by way of detestation, as thinking that it was the falling of their idol upon that unhappy threshold that had dashed it in pieces. Like as the old Romans declined the dismal gate, as they called it, because three hundred gentlemen going out thereat to fight with some neighbouring enemies perished; and the Pope in his solemn procession shunneth that street in Rome where Pope Joan was delivered, as some report of them. A. Lapide upon this text telleth us out of Tertullian, that the pagans kissed the thresholds of their temples: and in addition, that his papagans do at this day kiss the threshold of Peter’ s church in Rome, when they enter into it. Pet. Martyr. Porta Scelerata.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
(5) Unto this day.—This curious “memory” of the disaster to the Dagon image in this Philistine temple at Ashdod long existed among the worshippers of the fish-god. Zephaniah (1 Samuel 1:9), in the reign of King Josiah, mentions this among idolatrous observances which he condemns: “In the same day I will punish all those that leap on (or over) the threshold.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
Verse 5. Tread on the threshold] Because the arms, c., of Dagon were broken off by his fall on the threshold, the threshold became sacred, and neither his priests nor worshippers ever tread on the threshold. Thus it was ordered, in the Divine providence, that, by a religious custom of their own, they should perpetuate their disgrace, the insufficiency of their worship, and the superiority of the God of Israel. It is supposed that the idolatrous Israelites, in the time of Zephaniah, had adopted the worship of Dagon: and that in this sense 1 Samuel 1:9 is to be understood: In the same day will I punish all those who leap upon the threshold. In order to go into such temples, and not tread on the threshold, the people must step or leap over them and in this way the above passage may be understood. Indeed, the thresholds of the temples in various places were deemed so sacred that the people were accustomed to fall down and kiss them. When Christianity became corrupted, this adoration of the thresholds of the churches took place.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:5
5. Therefore neither the priests, &c.] As a mark of reverence for the spot where their idol had lain. Zephaniah 1:9 does not appear to contain any reference to this practice, which was peculiar to the temple at Ashdod. unto this day] The practice was still observed when the historian wrote.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 5:5
This custom still existed among the worshippers of Dagon so late as the reign of Josiah (see the marginal reference).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:5
5. Neither the priests of Dagon,… nor any… tread on the threshold — They deemed that place, on which the nobler portions of their god had fallen, a spot too holy for human feet to press.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:5
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Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i |
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The Worship of False Gods by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the impo |
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Man Made God's by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic truth that many people are caught up in idol worship, specifically idols made of silver and gold. He references the book of Deuter |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
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The Attributes of God - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of God and our accountability to Him. He argues that if evolution were true and there was no God, |
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Homily 10 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. H |