1 Samuel Chapter 5 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 5 Summary

The Philistines place the captured ark in Dagon's temple at Ashdod, but the next morning Dagon lies prostrate before it; restored, he is found the following morning with head and hands severed on the threshold. The LORD's hand is heavy against Ashdod with tumors; the ark is moved to Gath with the same affliction, then to Ekron where the people cry out in terror. The Philistines suffer seven months as the LORD afflicts their cities.

Original

Characters in This Chapter

Samuel

Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings

Saul

First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God

David

Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart

Jonathan

Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry

Hannah

Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God

Places in This Chapter

Shiloh

Location of the tabernacle where Hannah prayed and Samuel ministered

Gilgal

Site where Saul was confirmed king and later disobeyed God's command

Gibeah

Saul's hometown and capital during his reign

Bethlehem

David's hometown where Samuel anointed him king

Gath

Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the home of Goliath, the giant warrior who defied Israel. David fled to Gath to escape Saul and pretended to be insane before King Achish. The city was eventually conquered by David. The phrase "Tell it not in Gath" comes from David's lament over Saul and Jonathan.

Position in Book

Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7

Samuel's birth and calling, the capture and return of the ark, Samuel as judge over Israel.

Saul's ReignChapters 8-15

David's RiseChapters 16-31