1)

Verse 1 said that Pelishtim took Aron ha'Elokim. Why was this repeated?

1.

Malbim: They took it from Ashdod, and brought it to Beis Dagon.

2)

What was Dagon?

1.

Rashi: It was an image in the form of a fish.

2.

Radak (4): From its navel and below it had the form of a Dag (fish). This is why it is called Dagon. From its navel and above it had a human form. We find that it had hands (verse 4)!

3)

Why did they put it by Dagon?

1.

Malbim citing R. Yochanan, in Midrash Shmuel 11:4: This was to honor it. They said, they are both gods - it is proper that a god dwell by a god. 1

2.

Malbim citing Reish Lakish, in Midrash Shmuel 11:4: They said, this conquered and this was defeated - the defeated should serve the victor.


1

Reish Lakish (11:4): This is wrong. If so, why were they punished?! (Perhaps it was for equating Aron ha'Elokim to folly! - PF)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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