Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 5:3. It's a really significant story about God’s protection and a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ashdod is Having Trouble: The story begins with Ashdod, a city on the coast, experiencing a serious problem – they’re having trouble with God. They're feeling like he’s not protecting them and are causing problems. Early in the Morning: It’s happening very early in the morning of that day. Dagon Falls Down: A massive earthquake or tremor occurs, and Dagon – a huge, incredibly important idol – falls down to the ground. This is a huge deal because Dagon was a powerful god and a symbol of Ashdod’s prosperity and strength. They Take Him Away: The people of Ashdod, feeling threatened by this fallen idol, decide it's best to remove it from their city. They take Dagon and set him back in his place. What Does This Mean? (The Significance) This is a very important event because it shows: God’s Protection: It demonstrates that God isn't just watching from afar; He actively intervenes to protect His people when they are facing trouble. Divine Power: The fact that Dagon fell and was taken away shows the power of God. It’s a dramatic display of his authority. A Focus on the Ark of the Lord: The most crucial part is what happens next . The story says that God takes Dagon back and places him back in his place. This signifies that God is putting his protection and focus back on His people – specifically, on the Ark of the Covenant (a sacred box containing the tablets of the Law). In a Nutshell: It’s a story about a city needing divine intervention and God answering with a powerful display of His care. He's actively protecting his chosen people from a threat, and that threat is symbolized by the fallen idol Dagon. Does this explanation make sense? Would you like me to delve into any specific part of this passage in more detail (like its historical context or symbolism)?