Free group study handout
1 Samuel 5: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Samuel 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The Philistines took God’s ark and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod (vv. 1-2). They placed the ark in the house of Dagon.
Key verse
“When they arose early on the following morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso was intact.”
1 Samuel 5:4 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Samuel 5:1–2 The Ark Taken to Ashdod
- 1 Samuel 5:3–5 Dagon Falls Before the Ark
- 1 Samuel 5:6–8 Afflictions on Ashdod
- 1 Samuel 5:9–11 The Ark Moves to Gath and Ekron
- 1 Samuel 5:12 Crisis in Ekron
Discussion questions
- What happens to Dagon in vv. 3-4 after the Ark is placed in his temple?
- In v6, what affliction does Yahweh bring upon the people of Ashdod?
- The repeated mention of 'his hand' in v7 and v11: what does this suggest about God's authority?
- In vv. 9-10, why do the men of Gath feel a sense of confusion after the Ark arrives?
- When have you felt overwhelmed by a situation like the 'deadly confusion' in v11?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Samuel 5: 1 Samuel 6, 1 Samuel 7, Deuteronomy 28.
Before next time: read 1 Samuel 6.