Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Dagon

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Dagon is a prominent idol mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the Philistines, a significant adversary of the Israelites. The worship of Dagon is depicted as a central aspect of Philistine religious practice, and the idol is often portrayed in opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 16:23 · The earliest mention of Dagon in the Bible occurs in the context of the account of Samson. After Samson is captured by the Philistines, they gather to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon, their god, celebrating their victory over Samson. The text states, "Now the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to celebrate, saying, 'Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.'"

2. 1 Samuel 5:1-5 · One of the most notable accounts involving Dagon is found in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines. The Ark is placed in the temple of Dagon in Ashdod. The following morning, the idol of Dagon is found fallen on its face before the Ark. After setting the idol back in its place, the next day, Dagon is again found fallen, this time with its head and hands severed. The passage reads, "When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground 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 on the ground before the ark of the LORD. The head and hands of Dagon were lying on the threshold; only Dagon’s body remained."

3. 1 Chronicles 10:10 · The narrative of King Saul's death also involves Dagon. After Saul's defeat, the Philistines place his armor in the temple of their gods and fasten his head in the temple of Dagon. This act signifies the Philistines' belief in Dagon's superiority over the God of Israel. The text states, "They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his head in the temple of Dagon."

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Dagon is often depicted as a deity of agriculture and fertility, which aligns with the Philistines' coastal and agrarian society. The name "Dagon" is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word "dag," meaning "fish," leading some scholars to suggest that Dagon may have been represented as a fish-god or had fish-like attributes. However, archaeological evidence and ancient texts more commonly associate Dagon with grain and harvest, indicating his role as a god of sustenance and prosperity.

The biblical accounts of Dagon serve to highlight the futility and impotence of idol worship in contrast to the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel. The repeated humiliation of Dagon before the Ark of the Covenant underscores the biblical theme that no idol can stand before the true God. The narratives involving Dagon are illustrative of the broader biblical condemnation of idolatry, emphasizing the exclusive worship and allegiance due to Yahweh alone.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the accounts involving Dagon are a testament to the supremacy of God over all false gods and idols. The biblical portrayal of Dagon's downfall serves as a powerful reminder of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The accounts of Dagon in Scripture are not merely historical records but are intended to instruct the faithful in the dangers of idolatry and the necessity of unwavering devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 16:23
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 5:1-3
And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... Or, if any of them be mentioned, are they not a by-word ... Hath not that idolatry passed
away ... yesterday, to-day, and for ever." One generation of idols hath passed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... themselves) you read sufficiently in the scripture; and perhaps ... employ: but since
they are but mentioned, and are ... brightness of his coming: 'The idols he shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... and statue of
Dagon are mentioned in the ... harmony with history and other parts of Scripture. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... deaf, and dumb deities, might have their idols rising upon ... people of God from committing
of idolatry; to wit ... chariot called gold is yet again mentioned by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm