1 Samuel 5

1 Samuel 5:2

The house of Dagon] This Dagon was the Idol or God of the Philistines, Judg. XVI. 22. They lived on the coast of the midland-Sea, on the East-end of it from us. This Dagon seemes to be a kinde of Sea-god, having his name from Dag, which signifies a Fish; and is thought to be portraied like a Fish from the middle downward; and his upper part like a man, if not a maid, 1 Sam. V. 4. Such Idols other Heathens worshipped, as the gods of the Sea; as Neptune, Triton.

This House or Temple of Dagon was a marvellous House, Judg. XVI. 27. Hither the Philistines brought Sampson to make them sport; and he brought down the House upon them, Judg. XVI. 30. Hither they brought the Ark of God, as a captive in triumph, to the honour of their Idol; And Dagon fell down before the Ark, broken in pieces, 1 Sam. V. 3, 4.

And here they fastened the head of Saul, whom they slew in Gilboa, 1 Chron. X. 10.