Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 5

• Ebenezer: See study note on 1 Samuel 4:1b.

• Ashdod was one of the five main Philistine cities (see 1 Samuel 6:17). It was on the same major trade route (the Great Trunk Road) as Aphek.

Dagon was a god worshipped by the Philistines (see Judges 16:23–24). The name might come from the Hebrew word dag, which means "fish." This would be an appropriate name for a god of seafaring people. However, it is more likely related to the Hebrew word dagan, which means "grain." This would indicate a god of fertility or agriculture.

his head and his hands broken off: This was a symbol of God's power over the idol (1 Samuel 5:7; see also 17:51).

step on the threshold: The Philistines might have thought Dagon's statue broke because they did not honor him correctly. However, their real mistake was worshiping an idol instead of the one true God (Isaiah 44:6–20).

tumors: The Hebrew word might just mean "swellings." Another possible translation is "hemorrhoids." They could have been deadly buboes from the bubonic plague, affecting the lower body, especially the rectal area. Rats are known to carry the plague.

• rulers (or overlords): Each of the five major Philistine cities had its own ruler (1 Samuel 6:16–18).

• It must be moved: Even with the clear danger, the Philistines valued their captured trophy so much that they chose to move it instead of returning it.

• Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities, was close by.

God often caused great panic to disable and overpower Israel's enemies (1 Samuel 14:15, 20; Deuteronomy 7:23; Ezekiel 22:5; Amos 3:9).

Ekron, one of the five main Philistine cities (see 1 Samuel 6:17), was only five miles north of Gath.