Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 5:4. It’s a really significant moment in Israel's history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Dagon Was a Giant Monster: Before the time of David, Dagon was a giant sea creature – a powerful and terrifying monster that lived in the deep. He was incredibly strong and dangerous. God's Command to Destroy It: God decided that Dagon needed to be destroyed. He commanded the Israelites to take him down into the water. A Cruel Punishment: To punish Dagon, God instructed the Israelites to brutally kill him. They had to cut off his head and hands, and then leave only one stump of his body behind. What Happened Next? Dagon Falls Down: As the Israelites approached, Dagon began to fall down to the ground before the Ark of the LORD (a sacred symbol of God’s presence). It was a terrifying sight! The Cut Off Parts: The Israelites then cut off his head and hands. Left Behind: And finally, they left only one stump of Dagon behind. Why is this important? This event shows that God's justice and power are very real! It’s a powerful reminder that God isn’t afraid to punish evil and protect his people. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem harsh. In essence, this verse describes a terrifying act of punishment by God – a brutal ending for a monstrous creature who posed a threat to Israel. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: What does this verse tell us about the relationship between God and the Israelites? What does it mean for David to have the Ark of the LORD in his possession after this event?