Ashdod: see the comments on verse 1.

Behold: this Hebrew particle calls special attention to the statement that follows, and adds an element of immediacy to the narrative. The Hebrew leaves implicit the fact that the people saw the fallen statue. But in many cases it will be wise to make this explicit in translation into other languages.

Dagon had fallen: as in the previous verse, Good News Translation states that “the statue” had fallen. Dagon was a male deity, so Revised Standard Version uses the pronouns him and his, while Good News Translation uses the pronoun “it,” referring to the statue of Dagon. That Dagon fell face downward suggests to the reader an attitude of worship and submission, as shown by the same action in Gen 17.3; Num 16.45; Dan 3.5. It is said that pagan gods bow down before God in Psa 97.7; Isa 19.1; 46.1.

In the Septuagint verse 3 begins as follows: “And the people of Ashdod rose early and went into the house of Dagon; and they looked and behold Dagon had fallen face downward.” The Septuagint is the basis for the addition of the words “and went to the temple of Dagon” found in New Jerusalem Bible and Osty-Trinquet. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text; but for translation purposes it may be wise in some languages to state that the people of Ashdod went to the temple.

Put him back in his place: in some languages it may be necessary to state clearly what is implied in this clause, namely that the statue was also restored to an upright position. This is done in several modern English versions by using verbs like “lifted up” (Moffatt) or “picked … up” (New American Bible).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .