Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 5:2

2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon .

Either, First, Out of respect to it, that it might be worshipped together with Dagon. Or rather, Secondly, By way of reproach and contempt of it, as a Spoil and Trophy set there to the honour of Dagon, to whom doubtless they Ascribed this Victory, as they did a former, Iudg. 16. 23. And though they had some reverence for the Ark before, chap. 4. 7, &c. Yet that was certainly much diminished by their success against Israel, not withstanding the presence and help of the Ark.