The Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben Ezer to Ashdod. After taking possession of the ark of God, the Philistines brought it into the house of Dagon and placed it next to Dagon. The next day the Ashdodians, who had risen early in the morning, found Dagon lying face down on the ground before the ark of the Lord. They took Dagon, and put him back in his place. Also the next day, they arose early in the morning, and found Dagon lying face down on the ground before the ark of the Lord; Dagon’s head and both hands were slumped on the threshold, and only the trunk remained. This is why to this day the priests of Dagon and all who enter Dagon’s house in Ashdod do not step on the threshold.

• (Bible, First book of Samuel, chapter 5, verses 1 to 5)