Dagon Falls Before the Ark of the LORD
The idol Dagon falls and is broken before the captured ark of the covenant in Ashdod.
The Philistines captured the ark and set it in the house of Dagon. The next morning Dagon was fallen on his face before the ark. They set him in place; the next morning he was fallen again, his head and hands broken off on the threshold. The LORD's hand was heavy on Ashdod and the cities of the Philistines.
God
Ashdod, in the house of Dagon
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again."
"And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon 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 upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him."
Spiritual Significance
Dagon's fall declared that no idol can stand before the living God. Even in apparent defeat — His ark captured — the LORD vindicated His own name among the nations.
Lesson for Today
Every idol must bow before Christ. When God seems silent, He is still at work undoing the powers that oppose Him.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dagon?
The chief Philistine deity, often associated with grain or the sea. His temple was at Ashdod.
How long was the ark with the Philistines?
Seven months in total, moving from city to city as the LORD's hand fell heavily on each (1 Samuel 6:1).
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Dagon Falls Before the Ark of the LORD?
The miracle of Dagon Falls Before the Ark of the LORD is recorded in 1 Samuel 5:3 (KJV), with additional references in 1 Samuel 5:4.
Who performed the miracle of Dagon Falls Before the Ark of the LORD?
Scripture records that God carried out this miracle at Ashdod, in the house of Dagon. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
The Walls of Jericho Fall
Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.
Uzzah Struck Dead for Touching the Ark
Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck dead by the LORD for his error.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Satan in Job — The Accuser Before God
In Job 1-2, Satan stands before God as accuser — but he cannot touch a believer without divine permission.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreSubmit to God, Resist the Devil — James 4:7 (KJV)
Resistance to the devil begins with submission to God — surrender first, then standing firm.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
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Miracles Quiz
Signs and wonders across the Bible.
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Ten Plagues of Egypt Quiz
God's judgments on Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
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Red Sea Crossing Quiz
Walls of water, a path on dry ground, and Pharaoh's army drowned (Exodus 14).
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