Definition: Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 5:5. It’s a really significant and somewhat strange passage about God's protection of Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites to not even enter Ashdod, the city on the coast, which was previously occupied by the worshipers of Dagon, a demon-god. He’s making a very strong statement about God's protection and judgment against that area. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore neither…” : This means God is saying this will happen . It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a definite promise. “…the priests of Dagon…” : This refers to the priests who worshipped Dagon, a demon god. They were considered to be in league with him and were actively involved in his worship. “…nor any that come into Dagon’s house…” : This is crucial. It means anyone – anyone entering the city of Ashdod – is forbidden from approaching the temple or dwelling of the priests of Dagon. “unto this day” : This is a very important part. It means the prohibition remains in effect forever . It’s not just a temporary rule; it's a promise to continue for all time. What does this mean practically? Historically, Ashdod was a major port city and a place of significant worship for Dagon. This verse suggests that God is punishing the people who had been associated with this evil god. It’s essentially a divine judgment against a city that was complicit in idolatry (worshiping false gods). Why is this important? It's about Divine Protection: This verse highlights God’s powerful protection and his ability to intervene even after a period of worship. It speaks to the consequences of sin: It demonstrates that when people break God’s laws and engage in idolatry, they will face severe consequences. It’s a foundational moment in Israel's history: It marks a crucial turning point where God begins to establish his authority and protect his chosen people from evil. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about divine judgment, protection, and the importance of staying away from idolatry. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Provide context for when this passage was written (historical background)?