Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
JUDGES 16:23KJVWhat does Judges 16:23 mean?
Judges 16:23 describes how the leaders of the Philistines gathered to offer a large sacrifice to their god Dagon, celebrating because they believed their god had given them victory over Samson, their enemy. The verse highlights the Philistines’ joy and religious ceremony after capturing Samson.
The verse takes place after Samson, a judge of Israel known for his great strength, has been captured by the Philistines. The Philistine rulers organize a public celebration and religious ritual, crediting their god Dagon for delivering Samson into their hands. This sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, showing the Philistines’ confidence and their belief that their god is superior to the God of Israel.
The Hebrew behind Judges 16:23
- דָּגוֹן (Dagon, transliterated "Dagon"): This is the name of the Philistine god. Mentioning Dagon by name emphasizes the religious rivalry between the Philistines and Israel, as Dagon was a major deity in Philistine culture.
- שָׂרְנֵי (sarney, transliterated "lords"): This word refers to the rulers or leaders of the Philistines, highlighting that this was an official, high-level gathering, not just a common celebration.
- זֶבַח (zevach, transliterated "sacrifice"): This word for "sacrifice" points to a formal religious offering, showing that the Philistines saw Samson’s capture as a spiritual victory, not just a military one.
- שִׂמְחָה (simchah, transliterated "rejoice"): This word for "rejoicing" or "joy" underlines the celebratory and triumphant mood of the Philistines, making their confidence and sense of victory clear.
Why Judges 16:23 matters
- The verse clarifies that the Philistines viewed Samson’s capture as a victory of their god Dagon over the God of Israel, not just a personal or political win.
- It sets up the dramatic irony for readers, who know that Samson’s story is not yet finished and that the Philistines’ confidence will soon be challenged.
- The verse connects to the broader theme in Judges of the ongoing struggle between Israel and its neighbors, especially in matters of faith and worship.