1 Samuel 5:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Seeing the plague, the men of Ashdod conclude the ark cannot stay, for the Lord's hand is heavy on both them and their god.
What Does 1 Samuel 5:7 Mean?
The men of Ashdod read the situation rightly at last: the ark cannot remain among them. They name the cause plainly — the Lord's hand is hard upon them and upon Dagon their god. Their fear is real, though it stops short of repentance; they want relief from the God, not fellowship with Him.
It is a sobering thing to acknowledge God's power yet still wish Him gone. The Philistines confess that the Lord is stronger than their god, but they seek only to send Him away. Many feel His hand and ask merely to be left alone. The deeper question the chapter presses is whether we will move from fearing His power to seeking His face.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 5:7
What does 1 Samuel 5:7 mean?
Seeing the plague, the men of Ashdod conclude the ark cannot stay, for the Lord's hand is heavy on both them and their god.