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, 1Sam 5:1-5. The Philistines are also smitten with a sore disease, 1Sam 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, 1Sam 5:7, 1Sam 5:8. They do so; and God smites the inhabitants of that city, young and old, with the same disease, 1Sam 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, 1Sam 5:10-12.
Verse 1
Brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod - Ashdod or Azotus was one of the five satrapies or lordships of the Philistines.