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They rejoiced and said, "Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/16-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/07_Jdg_16_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 16:23 - Samson's Vengeance and Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. 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They said, “Our god has given us victory over our enemy Samson!” <a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to rejoice, and they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand.” <a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice. And they said: “Our god has delivered into our hands Samson our enemy!” <a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the governors of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to celebrate, for they said, “Our god has handed Samson our enemy over to us.” <a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice, for they said, &#8220Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hands.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice, for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hands.” <a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to be glad; and they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hands.” <a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the Philistine lords gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to celebrate, for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hands!” <a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the Philistine leaders gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said: Our god has handed over our enemy Samson to us. <a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the Philistine leaders gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said: Our god has handed over our enemy Samson to us. <a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together 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. <a href="/cev/judges/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Philistine rulers threw a big party and sacrificed a lot of animals to their god Dagon. The rulers said: Samson was our enemy, but our god Dagon helped us capture him! <a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And 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. <a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, the Philistine rulers gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to celebrate. They said, "Our god handed Samson, our enemy, over to us." <a href="/gnt/judges/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Philistine kings met together to celebrate and offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They sang, "Our god has given us victory over our enemy Samson!" <a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Some time later, the Philistine officials got together to present a magnificent sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to throw a party, because they were claiming, "Our god has given Samson into our control!" <a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a> The rulers of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate. They said, "Our god has handed Samson, our enemy, over to us." <a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to celebrate; for they said, "Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand." <a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. <a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a> The lords of the Philistines gathered together 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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the princes of the Philistines have been gathered together to sacrifice a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to rejoice; and they say, “Our god has given our enemy Samson into our hand.” <a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the princes of the Philistines have been gathered together to sacrifice a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; and they say, 'Our god hath given into our hand Samson our enemy.' <a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the princes of Philisteim gathered together to sacrifice a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: and they will say, Our god gave into our hand Samson our enemy.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the princes of the Philistines assembled together, to offer great sacrifices to Dagon their god, and to make merry, saying: Our god hath delivered our enemy Samson into our hands. <a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the leaders of the Philistines convened as one, so that they might offer great sacrifices to Dagon, their god. And they feasted, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy, Samson, into our hands.” <a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a> The lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon and to celebrate. They said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our power.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the lords of the Philistines assembled 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. <a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Tyrants of the Philistines were assembled to sacrifice a great sacrifice to Dagun their god in joy, and they were saying: “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together 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.' <a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the chiefs of the Philistines met to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to make merry; and they said, God has given into our hand our enemy Sampson. <a href="/parallel/judges/16-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4975" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Samson's Vengeance and Death</a> 23<a href="/hebrew/5633.htm" title="5633: wə·sar·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- An axle, a peer. From an unused root of uncertain meaning; an axle; figuratively, a peer.">Now the lords</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: nɛ·ʾɛ̆s·p̄ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">gathered together</a> <a href="/hebrew/2076.htm" title="2076: liz·bō·aḥ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To slaughter for sacrifice. A primitive root; to slaughter an animal.">to offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: gā·ḏō·wl (Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">a great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2077.htm" title="2077: ze·ḇaḥ- (N-ms) -- A sacrifice. From zabach; properly, a slaughter, i.e. The flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice.">sacrifice</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to their god</a> <a href="/hebrew/1712.htm" title="1712: lə·ḏā·ḡō·wn (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A god and an idol of the Philistines. From dag; the fish-god; Dagon, a Philistine deity.">Dagon.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: ū·lə·śim·ḥāh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">They rejoiced</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">“Our god</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">has delivered</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: šim·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·wy·ḇê·nū (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cp) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">our enemy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏê·nū (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into our hands.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> 24And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/5-2.htm">1 Samuel 5:2-4</a> carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. / When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face 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 before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained. <a href="/1_kings/11-5.htm">1 Kings 11:5</a> Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. <a href="/1_chronicles/10-10.htm">1 Chronicles 10:10</a> They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his head in the temple of Dagon. <a href="/2_kings/1-2.htm">2 Kings 1:2-3</a> Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” / But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ <a href="/isaiah/46-1.htm">Isaiah 46:1-2</a> Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. / The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity. <a href="/jeremiah/48-7.htm">Jeremiah 48:7</a> Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials. <a href="/jeremiah/50-2.htm">Jeremiah 50:2</a> “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ <a href="/daniel/5-4.htm">Daniel 5:4</a> As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. <a href="/hosea/2-8.htm">Hosea 2:8</a> For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold—which they crafted for Baal. <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4-5</a> “I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests— / those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom, <a href="/acts/19-24.htm">Acts 19:24-27</a> It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. / Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. / And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a> What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. <a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Ephesians 5:5</a> For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Dagon<a href="/1_samuel/5-2.htm">1 Samuel 5:2-5</a> When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon… <a href="/jeremiah/2-11.htm">Jeremiah 2:11</a> Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.<a href="/micah/4-5.htm">Micah 4:5</a> For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.to rejoice<a href="/job/30-9.htm">Job 30:9,10</a> And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword… <a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Psalm 35:15,16</a> But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: … <a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a> Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/judges/11-40.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/joshua/19-27.htm">Dagon</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-27.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/judges/13-16.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/judges/11-31.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/judges/16-20.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/18-22.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-21.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-2.htm">Dagon</a> <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Lords</a> <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/judges/21-4.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/judges/16-25.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/18-22.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div>1. <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a> 4. <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a> 6. <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a> 15. <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a> 21. <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a> 22. <a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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These lords often collaborated for military and religious purposes. The gathering signifies a significant event, likely held in a major city like Gaza, Ashdod, or Ashkelon. This assembly underscores the political unity and religious fervor of the Philistines, who were a constant threat to Israel during the period of the Judges.to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. Dagon was a major deity in the Philistine pantheon, often associated with grain and fertility. Archaeological findings, such as temples dedicated to Dagon, highlight his importance. The sacrifice indicates a religious ceremony, possibly involving animal offerings, to thank Dagon for their perceived victory. This act of worship reflects the Philistine belief in Dagon's power over their fortunes, contrasting with the Israelites' worship of Yahweh.They rejoiced and said, The Philistines' rejoicing reveals their triumphalism and confidence in their god's superiority. This celebration likely included feasting, music, and dancing, common in ancient Near Eastern victory rituals. Their joy is not just over Samson's capture but also a perceived validation of their religious beliefs.“Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” This statement reflects the Philistine interpretation of events as divine intervention. Samson, a Nazirite and judge of Israel, had been a formidable adversary, causing significant destruction to the Philistines. His capture is seen as a victory for Dagon over Yahweh, echoing the ancient belief that military success was tied to the power of one's deity. This moment foreshadows the eventual downfall of the Philistines, as it sets the stage for Samson's final act of strength, which will demonstrate Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/lords_of_the_philistines.htm">Lords of the Philistines</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/d/dagon.htm">Dagon</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A 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. <a href="/topical/p/philistia.htm">Philistia</a> The region inhabited by the Philistines, located along the southern coast of Canaan. It was a constant source of conflict for the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sacrifice_and_celebration.htm">Sacrifice and Celebration</a> The 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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Samson'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. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance.htm">The Power of Repentance</a> Samson'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. <a href="/topical/c/celebrating_god's_victories.htm">Celebrating God's Victories</a> Just 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a> <a href="/q/who_is_dagon_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Dagon in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_ahaziah's_baal-zebub_query_match_history.htm">In 2 Kings 1, how does the portrayal of Ahaziah seeking Baal-zebub’s counsel align or conflict with historical records of neighboring religious practices? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_samson_trust_delilah_again.htm">In Judges 16:4-20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him?</a> <a href="/q/could_one_person_topple_a_temple_alone.htm">In Judges 16:29-30, is it plausible that a single person could topple a temple by pushing two pillars?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Unto Dagon their god.--Comp. <a href="/context/1_samuel/5-1.htm" title="And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.">1Samuel 5:1-2</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/10-10.htm" title="And they put his armor in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.">1Chronicles 10:10</a>. This was the" Sea-monster:--upward man,And downward fish."In <a href="/1_samuel/5-4.htm" title="And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.">1Samuel 5:4</a> we have an allusion to his stump or fish-part. Dag means "fish," and the same root is found in Tagus. A goddess of similar form and attributes was worshipped under the name of Atargatis or Derceto (<a href="//apocrypha.org/2_maccabees/12-26.htm" title="Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.">2 Maccabees 12:26</a>). How widely the worship was spread we see from the commonness of the name Beth-dagon in the Shephelah (<a href="/joshua/15-41.htm" title="And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:">Joshua 15:41</a>). His chief temple at Azotus was burned by Judas Maccabeus (<a href="//apocrypha.org/1_maccabees/10-83.htm" title="The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety.">1 Maccabees 10:83</a>). The only other Philistine god mentioned in Scripture is Baal-zebub, god of Ekron (<a href="/context/2_kings/1-2.htm" title="And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said to them, Go, inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.">2Kings 1:2-16</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Gathered them, i.e. themselves. To rejoice. The Hebrew is for a festivity, or merry-making, or feast. There was to be a great feast upon the sacrifices offered to Dagon their God. Dagon (from dag, a fish in Hebrew), the national male god of the Philistines, as Atergatis, or Derceto, was their goddess. Both the male and female divinities seem to have had the head and breast and hands human, and the rest of the body fish-shaped (see <a href="/1_samuel/5-5.htm">1 Samuel 5:5</a>). The fish was a natural emblem of fertility and productiveness, especially to a maritime people. The fish-shaped idol is found upon old Phoenician coins, and also on the monuments of Khorsabad, and on some Assyrian gems in the British Museum. One of the chief temples of Dagon was at Gaza. Several towns bore the name of Dagon, as Beth-dagon in Judah (<a href="/joshua/15-41.htm">Joshua 15:41</a>) and in Asher (<a href="/joshua/19-27.htm">Joshua 19:27</a>), Caphar-dagon near Diospolis, etc., showing that the worship of Dagon was widespread. <a href="/commentaries/judges/16-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now the lords וְסַרְנֵ֣י (wə·sar·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5633.htm">Strong's 5633: </a> An axle, a peer of the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia gathered together נֶֽאֱסְפוּ֙‪‬ (ne·’ĕs·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove to offer לִזְבֹּ֧חַ (liz·bō·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2076.htm">Strong's 2076: </a> To slaughter for sacrifice a great גָּד֛וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent sacrifice זֶֽבַח־ (ze·ḇaḥ-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2077.htm">Strong's 2077: </a> A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice to their god אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֖ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Dagon. לְדָג֥וֹן (lə·ḏā·ḡō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1712.htm">Strong's 1712: </a> Dagon -- a god and an idol of the Philistines They rejoiced וּלְשִׂמְחָ֑ה (ū·lə·śim·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> Blithesomeness, glee and said, וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Our god אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has delivered נָתַ֤ן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set Samson שִׁמְשׁ֥וֹן (šim·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel our enemy אוֹיְבֵֽינוּ׃ (’ō·wy·ḇê·nū) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> Hating, an adversary into our hands.” בְּיָדֵ֔נוּ (bə·yā·ḏê·nū) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/16-23.htm">OT History: Judges 16:23 The lords of the Philistines gathered them (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>