Definition: And when the men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 5:7. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a disaster coming to the city of Ashdod. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Ashdod was suffering: The verse tells us that Ashdod, a large coastal city, was experiencing terrible problems – they were plagued by storms, floods, and a general sense of misery. They saw the signs: The people of Ashdod, noticing these troubles, realized something very unsettling: "The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us." “Ark” means a portable temple: The word “ark” in this context refers to a portable temple – a container that could be moved around. It was a special object used for worship and offering. God's anger: The verse says God was angry with Ashdod because of these troubles. He felt like he needed to protect his people and their sacred objects. What it means in simpler terms: Ashdod was facing serious problems, and they suspected that God was punishing them. The “ark” – a special temple – was being threatened. It's suggesting that God is actively involved in protecting his people from misfortune. The Significance & Context: This verse is part of a larger story about God’s judgment on the land of Israel. It highlights God’s power and willingness to intervene when things are going wrong for his people. It's a moment where God is showing that he cares deeply about his people and isn’t letting them face their problems alone. In short, it’s a warning about a potential disaster coming to Ashdod because of their troubles, and a demonstration of God’s power and concern. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might be interpreted in different ways?