Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, "Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands." Now the lords of the Philistines gathered togetherThe five rulers of the Philistine city-states—Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—assembled for a public national celebration. Their unity displayed the seriousness with which they regarded Samson’s capture. The gathering likely occurred at Gaza, where Samson had been imprisoned, and it brought political power, military triumph, and pagan worship together in defiance of Israel’s God. 1Sa 5:8 So they carried away the ark of the God of Israel.…
1Sa 29:1-2 Now the Philistines brought all their forces together…
to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. Dagon stood among the chief gods worshiped by the Philistines and was associated with the fertility and prosperity of the land. The sacrifice honored Dagon as the supposed source of Philistine victory. Israel had suffered because of its own sin, yet the Lord had not surrendered His authority to Dagon or abandoned His covenant purposes. The Philistines would soon learn that Samson’s defeat had not placed Yahweh beneath their idol. 1Sa 5:2-5 carried it into the temple of Dagon,…
1Ch 10:10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods…
They rejoiced and said, Their celebration involved more than relief at the capture of a dangerous enemy. The Philistines treated Samson’s humiliation as proof that their god had overcome the God of Israel. Their confidence turned the occasion into an act of open contempt toward the Lord, preparing the setting for divine judgment. Oba 1:12 But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day…
Psa 35:19 Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause,…
“Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” Samson had repeatedly struck the Philistines and disrupted their oppression of Israel, making him their feared adversary. Dagon received credit for what the Lord had permitted through Samson’s disobedience and betrayal. The boast would be overturned when God restored Samson’s strength and used his final act to bring down Dagon’s temple and many of Philistia’s rulers. Jdg 3:28 So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan…
1Sa 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD…
Persons / Places / Events 1. Lords of the PhilistinesThe ruling leaders of the Philistine people, who were enemies of Israel. They played a significant role in the oppression of the Israelites during the time of the Judges. 2. DagonThe chief deity of the Philistines, often associated with grain and fertility. The Philistines attributed their victory over Samson to Dagon, highlighting their belief in the power of their god. 3. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was given by God. His capture by the Philistines was a significant event, as it marked a moment of apparent triumph for Israel's enemies. 4. PhilistiaThe region inhabited by the Philistines, located along the southern coast of Canaan. It was a constant source of conflict for the Israelites. 5. Sacrifice and CelebrationThe Philistines' gathering to offer sacrifices to Dagon was both a religious and a political event, celebrating their perceived victory over Samson and, by extension, over the God of Israel. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryThe Philistines' worship of Dagon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry. Believers are reminded to guard against placing anything above God in their lives. God's SovereigntyDespite the Philistines' temporary victory, God's ultimate sovereignty is never in question. This encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. The Consequences of DisobedienceSamson's capture is a direct result of his disobedience and failure to live according to God's commands. This serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from God's will. The Power of RepentanceSamson's account ultimately points to the power of repentance and God's willingness to restore those who turn back to Him. Believers are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and strength. Celebrating God's VictoriesJust as the Philistines celebrated their perceived victory, believers are called to celebrate and give thanks for the victories God grants in their lives, recognizing His hand in all things. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Philistines' celebration of Samson's capture reflect their understanding of power and victory? How does this compare to a biblical understanding of true power? 2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of idolatry, and how can they guard against it? 3. How does the account of Samson illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? Can you think of other biblical figures who faced similar consequences? 4. What does the eventual downfall of Dagon in 1 Samuel 5 teach us about the power and sovereignty of God over false gods and idols? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Samson's life to our own spiritual journey, particularly in terms of repentance and seeking God's strength? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 5This passage describes the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines and its placement in the temple of Dagon, where Dagon falls before the Ark. This connection highlights the impotence of false gods before the true God of Israel. Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry underscores the futility of the Philistines' worship of Dagon and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all false gods. Hebrews 11:32Samson is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith," which provides a broader context for understanding his role and the ultimate victory of faith despite his personal failures. | A Grist from the Prison Mill of Gaza | . A. Scott, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | As At Other Times | J. Durran. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness | A. Maclaren | Judges 16:1-31 | | How not to Pray | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Ignominious Tasks | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Individulalism in Religion | R. Balgarnie, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Lessons from the Life of Samson | Abp. Wm. Alexander. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Loss of Strength | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Lost Grace Unrealised | R. Rogers. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Man's Cannot and Man's Can: a New Year's Address | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Man's Power for God's Work | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Moral Strength | Joseph Ritson. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Our Champion | | Judges 16:1-31 | | Pleasure and Peril in Gaza | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson Conquered | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson Shorn of His Strength | The Preacher's Monthly | Judges 16:1-31 | | Samson, the Jewish Hercules | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | Shaven and Shorn, But not Beyond Hope | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 16:1-31 | | Strength Lost | H. J. Bevis. | Judges 16:1-31 | | Strength Lost and Restored | H. J. Bevis. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Death of Samson | G. M. Boynton. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Evil of Knowing Evil | J. C. Coghlan, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Fall and Rise of a Great Man | Homilist | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Giant's Locks | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Gradual and Subtle Advance of Sin | Bp. Boyd Carpenter. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Influence of Amusements on Character and Destiny | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Man Who has Trifled Once Too Often | Dean Vaughan. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Secret of Samson's Strength | J. Clifford, D. D. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Victim and the Victor | E. P. Hood. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Weakness of Strength | G. Elliott. | Judges 16:1-31 | | The Withdrawal of Divine Influences | J. Williamson. | Judges 16:1-31 | | A Hero's Exodus | A.F. Muir | Judges 16:21-31 |
People Dagon, Delilah, Gazathites, Gazites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Gaza, Hebron, Valley of Sorek, ZorahTopics Assembled, Celebrate, Chiefs, Dagon, Delivered, Enemy, Gathered, Glad, Hands, Hater, Lords, Offer, Offering, Philistines, Princes, Rejoice, Sacrifice, Samson, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 16:23 4642 fish
8642 celebration
8747 false gods
8799 polytheism Judges 16:23-24 8769 idolatry, in OT Library Strength Profaned and Lost
'But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison-house. 22, Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. 23. Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 24. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureSamson Conquered
Now, why have I narrated this story? Why should I direct your attention to Samson? For this reason. Every child of God is a consecrated man. His consecration is not typified by any outward symbol; we are not commanded to let our hair grow for ever, nor to abstain from meats or drinks. The Christian is a consecrated man, but his consecration is unseen by his fellows, except in the outward deeds which are the result thereof. And now I want to speak to you, my dear friends, as consecrated men, as Nazarites, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether it is Lawful to Kill Oneself?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for a man to kill himself. For murder is a sin in so far as it is contrary to justice. But no man can do an injustice to himself, as is proved in Ethic. v, 11. Therefore no man sins by killing himself. Objection 2: Further, it is lawful, for one who exercises public authority, to kill evil-doers. Now he who exercises public authority is sometimes an evil-doer. Therefore he may lawfully kill himself. Objection 3: Further, it is lawful for a man to suffer spontaneously …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Christian Ballads.
Echoes of Hebrew thought, if not Hebrew psalmody, may have made their way into the more serious pagan literature. At least in the more enlightened pagans there has ever revealed itself more or less the instinct of the human soul that "feels after" God. St. Paul in his address to the Athenians made a tactful as well as scholarly point to preface a missionary sermon when he cited a line from a poem of Aratus (B.C. 272) familiar, doubtless, to the majority of his hearers. Dr. Lyman Abbot has thus translated …
Theron Brown—The Story of the Hymns and Tunes Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness
'... Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.'--EXODUS xxxiv. 29. '... And Samson wist not that the Lord had departed from him.'--JUDGES xvi. 20. The recurrence of the same phrase in two such opposite connections is very striking. Moses, fresh from the mountain of vision, where he had gazed on as much of the glory of God as was accessible to man, caught some gleam of the light which he adoringly beheld; and a strange radiance sat on his face, unseen by himself, but …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ...
Here, by way of objection, several questions are raised. Scripture relates that God sometimes complied with certain prayers which had been dictated by minds not duly calmed or regulated. It is true, that the cause for which Jotham imprecated on the inhabitants of Shechem the disaster which afterwards befell them was well founded; but still he was inflamed with anger and revenge (Judges 9:20); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervour …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Effectual Calling
THE second qualification of the persons to whom this privilege in the text belongs, is, They are the called of God. All things work for good "to them who are called." Though this word called is placed in order after loving of God, yet in nature it goes before it. Love is first named, but not first wrought; we must be called of God, before we can love God. Calling is made (Rom. viii. 30) the middle link of the golden chain of salvation. It is placed between predestination and glorification; and if …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Trials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 16:23 NIVJudges 16:23 NLTJudges 16:23 ESVJudges 16:23 NASBJudges 16:23 KJV
Judges 16:23 Commentaries
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