We read in 1 Samuel 5 that the Philistines had captured the ark of God and taken it into the house or temple of their god Dagon. Dagon was found on his face the next day in front of the ark of God, symbolizing that this demon had bowed to God’s authority in the invisible realm.  God exercised His authority over the demonic power in the area, revealing His power and striking fear into the hearts of the Philistines.

Dagon was the ruling demon over the Philistines.  God had cast down this strong man by a supernatural display of power. In fa ct, the Philistines put this to the test when they returned the ark to the Jews, discovering that their God (and not a series of  mishaps) had been responsible for their calamities. 

We are therefore taught an important lesson that Jesus reiterated to the disciples – no one can enter into a house unless he first bound the strongman and take him captive.   This strongman who ruled over the Philistines was placed under the control of His maker. We  earn in scriptures that demons work together in groups. For example:

  • God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and soundness of mind.
  • 1 John 4: 18 says that perfect love casts out fear and that  fear  is accompanied by torment
  • sorrow and mourning flee when the Joy of God comes (Isa 51: 11).

In the scenario at hand, the ruling spirit is one of deceit and is accompanied by rebellion, lust  and control. Here are the reasons why:

  • Like Satan, Dagon wants to be god and has put himself in the place of worship that belongs to the Lord God Almighty. People who worship a god that they can make with their own hands are submitting to a serious deception. This god is unable to deliver in times of trouble, particularly when the Almighty is judging it. 
  • The demon still has to bow to his Creator unto whom every knee shall bow. This is a serious embarrassment for the kingdoms of hell.
  • The worship of  this fertility god must have been accompanied by related sexual immoralities, although I cannot find evidence to support this to date
  • The demon controlled an extensive area – taking five cities (maybe more) under his rulership. The control was so great that the Philistines did not surrender to and worship the God of Israel, but rather sent Him away so that they and their god Dagon could be free from His plagues. Now isn’t that ironic?

The Almighty God will cast down every strong hold and has authorized His saints to do the same (Ps 149: 5-9; 2 Cor 10: 3-6).

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper .Take hold of and believe the word of the God who is able to do  “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph 3: 20).

Blessings and have  a great day!