Judges 16:23 - The lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.”
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What does "Judges 16:23" mean?
This verse from Judges 16:23 describes a moment of triumph and celebration for the Philistines. Let's break it down:
"The lords of the Philistines gathered them together..." The "lords" here refer to the ruling elite or chiefs of the Philistine cities. They summoned their people for a special event.
"...to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god..." The Philistines were polytheistic and worshipped various gods. Dagon was one of their principal deities, often associated with fertility, grain, and agriculture. Offering a sacrifice was a common practice to thank or appease a god. The scale ("great sacrifice") suggests the importance they placed on this event.
"...and to rejoice..." This highlights the festive atmosphere. This wasn't just a religious observance; it was a joyous celebration.
"...for they said, 'Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.'" This is the key to understanding the verse. The Philistines attributed Samson's capture to the power and intervention of Dagon. Samson was a major threat to them, a powerful Israelite judge who had repeatedly defeated and humiliated them. His capture, therefore, was seen as a divine victory, a reason to celebrate and thank their god. They believed Dagon had granted them this victory.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of Philistine religious and nationalistic celebration. They are giving credit to their god, Dagon, for capturing their most formidable enemy, Samson, highlighting the perceived power of their god and their triumph over a significant adversary.
It's important to note that this verse also sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, as Samson, though captured, is not yet defeated.
Judges 16:23 - The lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.”
What does "Judges 16:23" mean?
This verse from Judges 16:23 describes a moment of triumph and celebration for the Philistines. Let's break it down:
"The lords of the Philistines gathered them together..." The "lords" here refer to the ruling elite or chiefs of the Philistine cities. They summoned their people for a special event.
"...to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god..." The Philistines were polytheistic and worshipped various gods. Dagon was one of their principal deities, often associated with fertility, grain, and agriculture. Offering a sacrifice was a common practice to thank or appease a god. The scale ("great sacrifice") suggests the importance they placed on this event.
"...and to rejoice..." This highlights the festive atmosphere. This wasn't just a religious observance; it was a joyous celebration.
"...for they said, 'Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.'" This is the key to understanding the verse. The Philistines attributed Samson's capture to the power and intervention of Dagon. Samson was a major threat to them, a powerful Israelite judge who had repeatedly defeated and humiliated them. His capture, therefore, was seen as a divine victory, a reason to celebrate and thank their god. They believed Dagon had granted them this victory.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of Philistine religious and nationalistic celebration. They are giving credit to their god, Dagon, for capturing their most formidable enemy, Samson, highlighting the perceived power of their god and their triumph over a significant adversary.
It's important to note that this verse also sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, as Samson, though captured, is not yet defeated.