Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.
Ver. 5. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, &c.] This they did either by way of veneration, as accounting the threshold sanctified by the touch of their idol. The Papists at this day, by a like superstition, refrain from treading on that part of mount Garganam, where the print of Michael the archangel's foot is to be seen in marble. a Or else by way of detestation, as thinking that it was the falling of their idol upon that unhappy threshold that had dashed it in pieces. Like as the old Romans declined the dismal gate, b as they called it, because three hundred gentlemen going out thereat to fight with some neighbouring enemies perished; and the Pope in his solemn procession shunneth that street in Rome where Pope Joan was delivered, as some report of them. A. Lapide upon this text telleth us out of Tertullian, that the pagans kissed the thresholds of their temples: and in addition, that his papagans do at this day kiss the threshold of Peter's church in Rome, when they enter into it.
a Pet. Martyr.
b Porta Scelerata.