| I Samuel 5:5
| And only the stump of Dagon remained in its place. For this cause neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that go into the temple, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Azotus unto this day.
| The stump of, seems to be wanting in Hebrew. (Haydock) --- Only the lower part, which resembled a fish, (Dag) was left on its pedestal. --- Day. The Philistines themselves established this custom, which was a tacit confession of the imbecility of the idol, which they nevertheless continued to adore. The prophet Sophonias (Sophonias 1:9.) is supposed to accuse the Jews of imitating this superstition. The ancient Christians, out of respect, kissed the thresholds of the churches of the apostles and martyrs. (Prudentius in S. Romano.) --- The Persians still refrain from treading on those of certain mosques, which are covered with silver. (Tavernier 1:5.)
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