Lexical Summary Ashqelon: Ashkelon Original Word: אַשְׁקְלוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ashkelon, Askalon Probably from shaqal in the sense of weighing-place (i.e. Mart); Ashkelon, a place in Palestine -- Ashkelon, Askalon. see HEBREW shaqal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a city of the Philistines NASB Translation Ashkelon (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַשְׁקְלוֺן proper name, of a location a city of the Philistines (Assyrian Isqaluna COTGloss DlPa 290; Phoenician adjective, of a people compare below) Judges 1:18; Judges 14:19; 1 Samuel 6:17; 2 Samuel 1:20; Jeremiah 25:20; Jeremiah 47:5,7; Amos 1:8; Zephaniah 2:4,7; Zechariah 9:5 (twice in verse); on the Mediterranean Sea, south of west from Jerusalem, modern `Asqalân, Surveyiii. 237 f. (with plan); compare also ZPVii. 164 f. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ashkelon stood on the southern Mediterranean coast of Canaan, roughly mid-way between Gaza and Joppa, commanding a fertile hinterland and a natural harbor. Its position on the Via Maris made it a commercial bridge between Egypt and the northern Levant, explaining why it continually re-emerges in trade lists, royal annals, and biblical narratives alike. Historical Background Archaeology confirms continuous occupation from the Middle Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period. Massive fortifications, vaulted grain silos, and Egyptian, Cypriot, and Phoenician imports illustrate both prosperity and strategic vulnerability. Throughout the Late Bronze and early Iron Ages, Ashkelon became one of the five chief Philistine city-states (1 Samuel 6:17), enjoying political parity with Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Its cosmopolitan flair—combining Mycenaean pottery styles, Canaanite cult objects, and Egypt-influenced architecture—mirrors the intermingled peoples described in Scripture. Role in the Conquest and the Judges Judah’s brief capture is noted in Judges 1:18, yet the narrative hints at incomplete dominance; Philistine influence resurfaces almost immediately. The episode anticipates later tensions during Samson’s judgeship. When Samson “went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty of their men” (Judges 14:19), the city is portrayed as a ready reservoir of Philistine wealth—proof that Israelite control had lapsed. The Spirit-empowered exploit also underscores Yahweh’s sovereignty: even in the stronghold of His people’s foes, the Lord delivers judgment through a flawed deliverer. Ashkelon within the Philistine Pentapolis 1 Samuel 6:17 lists “the gold tumors which the Philistines returned to the LORD—one each for Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron”. The guilt offering follows the return of the ark, symbolizing reluctant submission to Israel’s God. Ashkelon’s inclusion affirms its equal liability under divine judgment. Later, David’s funeral lament bids news of Saul’s death be silenced lest “the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult” (2 Samuel 1:20). Naming Ashkelon with Gath heightens the pathos: victory celebrations in these key Philistine squares would mock Israel’s anointed. Prophetic Oracles of Judgment Prophets from Amos to Zechariah invoke Ashkelon as shorthand for Philistine power, yet also as an object lesson in Yahweh’s universal rule. • Amos 1:8 forecasts the fall of her ruler and the demise of Philistine remnant. Taken together, these passages show progressive fulfillment: Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns devastated the city, yet later Persian and Hellenistic periods allowed Judean resettlement along the coast, anticipating ultimate eschatological peace. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations – Ashkelon’s rise and fall underscore that political power is granted and withdrawn at God’s pleasure. Ministerial and Practical Implications • Vigilance against Spiritual Compromise: Judah’s failure to hold Ashkelon warns contemporary believers against half-hearted obedience. Present-Day Relevance Tel Ashkelon’s massive ramparts and Philistine artifacts offer tangible confirmation of biblical history. Coins, inscriptions, and reliefs paralleling prophetic details validate Scripture’s reliability, while ongoing excavations remind readers that the Word speaks accurately about time, place, and event. Ashkelon’s account ultimately directs attention to the greater Davidic King who conquers, judges, and restores. Forms and Transliterations אַשְׁקְל֑וֹן אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן אַשְׁקְל֛וֹן אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן אַשְׁקְל֤וֹן אשקלון וְאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן ואשקלון לְאַשְׁקְל֣וֹן לאשקלון מֵֽאַשְׁקְל֑וֹן מאשקלון ’aš·qə·lō·wn ’ašqəlōwn ashkeLon lə’ašqəlōwn lə·’aš·qə·lō·wn leashkeLon mê’ašqəlōwn mê·’aš·qə·lō·wn meashkeLon veashkeLon wə’ašqəlōwn wə·’aš·qə·lō·wnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 1:18 HEB: גְּבוּלָ֔הּ וְאֶֽת־ אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן וְאֶת־ גְּבוּלָ֑הּ NAS: with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory KJV: with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast INT: Gaza territory and Ashkelon territory and Ekron Judges 14:19 1 Samuel 6:17 2 Samuel 1:20 Jeremiah 25:20 Jeremiah 47:5 Jeremiah 47:7 Amos 1:8 Zephaniah 2:4 Zephaniah 2:7 Zechariah 9:5 Zechariah 9:5 12 Occurrences |
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