CHAP. IV.
Of Dagon.
The Hebrew Doctors say[443] this Idol Dagon was made from the Navel downward in form of a Fish, but from the Navel upward in form of a Man. This they collect from 1 Sam. 5. 4. The two palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold. And furthermore they say, The Idol Dagon had his name from the Hebrew דג Dag, signifying in the Holy Language, a fish, according to which description we may English him, the Philistians Neptune, or Triton.[444] Others derive the name from דגן Dagon, signifying Corn: and they say,[445] that he first invented the use of the Plow, and Corn; whence they translate him Jupiter aratrius. In this respect we call him the Philistians Saturn, because Antiquity[446] makes Saturn the first Inventer of Husbandry, and therefore paints him with an Hook or Sithe in his hand, as being the fittest Hieroglyphick for Husbandry. Both opinions have their Authors, and no sufficient proof hath been produced to overthrow either. Yea, they are not wanting among the Jews themselves, that say,[447] this Image of Dagon was made in the form of a man. Notwithstanding Scaliger his conjecture is not improbable, that those who interpret Dagon, Jupiter aratrius, or Ἀγροτὴς, might mistake and read שדי Shadai, signifying Ager, A field, for שדי Shaddai being the very Name of God, signifying Omnipotens, Almighty.
[443] R. Dav. 1 Sa. 5.
[444] Triton non absimilem habuisse figuram fingitur; Frons hominem præfert, in piscem desinit alvus, Pier. Hierogl. lib. 1. p. 28.
[445] Phylo Byblius apud Euseb. de præpar. lib. 1. c. 7.
[446] Pier. Hierogl. l. 32. p. 228. Id. lib. 56.
[447] R. Levi. 1 Sam. 5.