1 Samuel 5:7
1 Samuel 5:7 in Multiple Translations
And 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.”
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.
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.
And when the men of Ashdod saw how it was, they said, Let not the ark of the God of Israel be with us, for his hand is hard on us and on Dagon our god.
When the people of Ashdod saw what was going on, they said, “We can't let the Ark of the God of Israel remain here with us, because he is punishing us and Dagon our god.”
And when the men of Ashdod sawe this, they sayd, Let not the Arke of the God of Israel abide with vs: for his hand is sore vpon vs and vpon Dagon our god.
And the men of Ashdod see that [it is] so, and have said, 'The ark of the God of Israel doth not abide with us, for hard hath been His hand upon us, and upon Dagon our god.'
When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel shall not stay with us, for his hand is severe on us and on Dagon our god.”
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 severe upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
And the men of Azotus seeing this kind of plague, said: The ark of the God of Israel shall not stay with us: for his hand is heavy upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
The men of Ashdod realized why this was happening, and they cried out, “The god of the Israeli people is punishing us and is also punishing our god Dagon. So we cannot allow the sacred chest of the god of the Israelis to remain here!”
After they saw that bad sickness, they said to each other, “We’re in big trouble with the God of the Israel mob. And now he hits Dagon as well. We’ve got to throw away that special box.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 5:7
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 5:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
אַנְשֵֽׁי
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד
כִּֽי
כֵ֑ן
וְ/אָמְר֗וּ
לֹֽא
יֵשֵׁ֞ב
אֲר֨וֹן
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
עִמָּ֔/נוּ
כִּֽי
קָשְׁתָ֤ה
יָד/וֹ֙
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
וְ/עַ֖ל
דָּג֥וֹן
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַנְשֵֽׁי
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד
ʼAshdôwd
H795
Ashdod
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
וְ/אָמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵשֵׁ֞ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֲר֨וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עִמָּ֔/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָשְׁתָ֤ה
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
יָד/וֹ֙
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
דָּג֥וֹן
Dâgôwn
H1712
Dagon
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 5:7
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אַנְשֵֽׁי
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד
ʼAshdôwd
H795
"Ashdod"
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.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
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.
וְ/אָמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
יֵשֵׁ֞ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֲר֨וֹן
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עִמָּ֔/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָשְׁתָ֤ה
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
יָד/וֹ֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עָלֵ֔י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
וְ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
דָּג֥וֹן
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.
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 5:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 5:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:7
Context — The Ark Afflicts the Philistines
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.”
8So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and asked, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” “It must be moved to Gath,” they replied. So they carried away the ark of the God of Israel. 9But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD’s hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:33 | And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 48:7 | Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 15:13 | It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” |
| 4 | Exodus 8:8 | Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 13:11–13 | Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 5:3–4 | When 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. But 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. |
| 7 | Exodus 10:7 | Pharaoh’s officials asked him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is in ruins?” |
| 8 | Exodus 9:28 | Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 4:8 | Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 6:20 | The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” |
1 Samuel 5:7 Summary
The men of Ashdod realized that having the ark of God in their city was causing them great trouble because God was judging them for their idolatry and disobedience, similar to what happened in Exodus 32:35 when God sent a plague upon the Israelites for worshiping the golden calf. They understood that God's power was not to be trifled with, and His judgment was a call to repentance. This verse teaches us about the importance of respecting and fearing God's power, as stated in Psalm 111:10, and recognizing that true wisdom begins with acknowledging His authority over all things. By respecting God's power, we can avoid His judgment and experience His mercy and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Ashdod want the ark of God to leave their city?
The men of Ashdod wanted the ark to leave because they recognized that God's hand was heavy upon them and their god Dagon, causing affliction and tumors, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:6, and they feared further judgment from the God of Israel.
What does it mean that God's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod?
When it says God's hand was heavy upon the people, it means He was actively judging them, much like in Exodus 9:3 where God's hand brought plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and authority over all nations.
How did the Philistines' treatment of the ark of God reflect their understanding of God's power?
The Philistines' decision to move the ark from city to city, as seen in 1 Samuel 5:8-9, shows they acknowledged God's power but did not fully comprehend or reverence Him, leading to continued judgment.
What lesson can be learned from the Philistines' experience with the ark of God?
The lesson from this experience, echoed in Proverbs 9:10, is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; recognizing and respecting God's power and authority is crucial for avoiding His judgment and receiving His mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I may be trying to 'move' God out of my life or certain situations, and what is the potential consequence of such actions?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's power and authority in my daily life, especially in times of challenge or uncertainty?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of the Philistines' experience with the ark to my own relationship with God, especially in terms of fearing and respecting Him?
- What are some modern-day 'idols' or 'gods' that I may be prioritizing over the one true God, and how can I realign my priorities according to His will?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 5:7
And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so,.... That many of their inhabitants were taken away by death, and others afflicted with a painful disease; all which they imputed to the ark being among
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 5:7
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. The ark of ... God ... shall not abide with us.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
1 Samuel 5:7 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.Ver. 7. The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us.] They should have rather parted with their sins, than with the ark: and have said unto their idols, "Get ye hence," as Isaiah 30:22. What have we to do any more with Dagon, who cannot save himself, much less us, from the divine vengeance? Wicked men are upon all occasions glad to be rid of God and his ark, his ordinances, which they, Philistine-like, have rather as prisoners than as privileges, rather in testimonium et ruinam quam salutem, for an utter mischief. For his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.] So short is the triumphing of the wicked: God can soon alter the scene, turning their mirth into mourning, their laughter into lamentation, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
Verse 7. His hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.] Here the end was completely answered: they now saw that they had not prevailed against Israel, on account of their god being more powerful than Jehovah; and they now feel how easily this God can confound and destroy their whole nation.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 5:7
7. is sore] i.e. severe.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 5:7
7. The ark… shall not abide with us — To idolaters, whether they be Israelitish or Philistine, Jehovah’s presence is a fearful scourge, and in idolatry they can have ease only by sending Him away.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 5:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Reluctant God - Part 5 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by God as a flock, rather than following our own ideas. He references the psalmist who declared that the Lord is |
|
The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo |
|
(The Ark of the Covenant) 5. Entering Jerusalem by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how often Christians rely on worldly methods and strategies to promote their faith and achieve success. He emphasizes that these methods are o |
|
Uzzah and the Ark of God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things God's way and humbling ourselves before Him. It highlights the need for true preaching that moves hearts, not just teaching, a |
|
The Ark Brought Back by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about the importance of seeking God's way and intention for His people, emphasizing the need for revival, restoration, and renewal. He warns against relying |
|
Inadequate Consensus by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the crucial importance of consulting the Lord in all decisions, regardless of human effort, involvement, advice, or consensus. Using the example of David's |
|
The Day of Golden Opportunity by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ today, as the Holy Spirit continually calls us to act in the present rather than procrastinate. He illustrates the foll |