Bible Dictionaries

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Dagon

Fish-god, a national idol of the Philistines, with temples at Gaza, Ashdid, etc., 1 Chronicles 10:10 . The temple at Gaza was destroyed by Samson, Judges 16:21-30 . In that at Ashdod, Dagon twice miraculously fell down before the ark of God; and in the second fall his head and hands were broken off, leaving only the body, which was in the form of a large fish, 1 Samuel 5:1-9 . See Joshua 15:41; 19:27 . There were other idols of like form among the ancients, particularly the goddess Derceto of Atergatis; and a similar form or "incarnation" of Vishnu is at this day much worshipped in India, and like Dagon is destined to be prostrated in the dust before the true God.