The Philistines set up the ark in the temple of Dagon at Ashdod; whose image is found next morning prostrate before it, broken in pieces, Sa1 5:1-5. The Philistines are also smitten with a sore disease, Sa1 5:6. The people of Ashdod refuse to let the ark stay with them; and the lords of the Philistines, with whom they consulted, order it to be carried to Gath, Sa1 5:7, Sa1 5:8. They do so; and God smites the inhabitants of that city, young and old, with the same disease, Sa1 5:9. They send the ark to Ekron, and a heavy destruction fags upon that city, and they resolve to send it back to Shiloh, Sa1 5:10-12.