1 Samuel 5:8

“They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, etc.] The other four lords, for there were five with this; (see <061303> Joshua 13:3), and said, what shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? they no doubt told them what they and their idol had suffered on account of it, and the resolution they were come to that it should be no longer with them; and therefore desire to know what must be done with it, whether they should return it to the people of Israel, or dispose of it somewhere else; it is probable some might be for the former, but the greater part were not, and were for keeping it in their possession somewhere or another: and they answered, let the ark…”

“The “lords” (see Judges 3:3) were very unwilling to give up their triumph, and, with the common pagan superstition, imagined that some local bad luck was against them at Ashdod. The result was to bring the whole Philistine community under the same calamity. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 5". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-samuel-5.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“To Gath - Supposing that this plague was confined to Ashdod for some particular reasons, or that it came upon them by chance, or for putting it into Dagon's temple, which they resolved they would not do. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 5:9”

“5:8 rulers (or overlords): Each of the five major Philistine cities had its own ruler (6:16-18). • Move it: Despite the obvious danger, the Philistines relished their captured trophy enough to relocate it rather than return it. • Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities, was nearby.”

“What shall: Zac 12:3 Gath: Sa1 17:4; Amo 6:2 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 5:9”