Lexical Summary Eshqeloni: Ashkelonite Original Word: אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Eshkalonites Patrial from 'Ashqlown; Ashkelonite (collectively) or inhabitant of Ashkelon -- Eshkalonites. see HEBREW 'Ashqlown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Ashqelon Definition inhab. of Ashkelon NASB Translation Ashkelonite (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶשְׁקְלוֺנִי adjective, of a people with article as substantive ׳הָא Joshua 13:3 (Phoenician אשקלני). Topical Lexicon Geographical Context Ashkelon lay on the southern Mediterranean coast of Canaan, roughly midway between Gaza and Joppa, commanding a fertile plain and a prominent seaport. Its large, crescent-shaped harbor, encircled by ramparts, made the city a strategic hub for trade routes that linked Egypt, the coastal highway (Via Maris), and inland valleys leading toward Jerusalem and Hebron. The term “Ashkelonite” thus designates inhabitants of a key Philistine stronghold that shaped the culture, commerce, and military posture of the entire southwest corridor. Historical Profile From the Middle Bronze Age onward, Ashkelon occupied a formidable position. Egyptian execration texts mention it; later, Egyptian New Kingdom lists confirm its vassal status. By the twelfth century B.C., the Philistines had settled there, integrating both Mycenaean and Canaanite influences. Assyrian and Babylonian kings (Tiglath-Pileser III, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar II) each besieged or subjugated the city, reflecting its enduring value. Hellenistic and Roman eras saw Ashkelon thrive as a free city, yet its Old Testament identity was shaped primarily by Philistine rule during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting The single use of אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי, “Ashkelonite,” occurs in Joshua 13:3 as Joshua delineates “the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite as well), the territory of the five Philistine rulers in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron”. Here the Ashkelonites represent one component of the unconquered coastal peoples whose lands were nevertheless allotted to Israel’s tribes. The mention underscores two truths: first, Israel’s inheritance was divinely fixed even where occupation lagged; second, incomplete obedience would later invite conflict. Connections to Philistine Cities Joshua 13:3 groups Ashkelon with four sister cities—Gaza, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron—forming the famous Philistine pentapolis. Each city exerted influence through a “lord” (Seren). Scripture records varied interactions: Samson slew thirty men of Ashkelon for their garments (Judges 14:19); David mourned that the daughters of the Philistines would rejoice in Ashkelon at Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:20). Such texts reveal Ashkelon as both militarily significant and a barometer of Philistine morale. Prophetic Oracles Concerning Ashkelon Later prophets fasten on Ashkelon as a symbol of judgment and redemption: • “Ashkelon will see it and be afraid… Gaza will writhe in agony” (Zechariah 9:5). These oracles demonstrate the certainty of divine sovereignty over Gentile nations, the moral accountability of pagan powers, and the future hope tied to Israel’s restoration. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Boundaries: The reference to the Ashkelonite affirms that God defined Israel’s borders irrespective of present reality, encouraging trust in His promises (Joshua 21:43-45). Cultural and Religious Practices Excavations attest to temples of Dagon and possibly Astarte in Ashkelon. The Ashkelonites practiced divination and ritual feasting. Such cultic life contrasted sharply with Israel’s monotheistic worship, highlighting the distinctiveness to which Israel was called (Leviticus 20:22-26). Lessons for Faith and Ministry Today • Boundary Faithfulness: Believers inherit “every spiritual blessing” in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Joshua’s encounter with the Ashkelonites reminds the church to appropriate, not merely admire, God’s provision. Summary Though mentioned but once as “Ashkelonite,” the term calls attention to a strategic Philistine populace on Israel’s frontier, illuminating themes of inheritance, judgment, and mission that resonate throughout Scripture and remain instructive for the church’s calling today. Forms and Transliterations הָאֶשְׁקְלוֹנִ֣י האשקלוני hā’ešqəlōwnî hā·’eš·qə·lō·w·nî haeshkeloNiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 13:3 HEB: הָעַזָּתִ֤י וְהָאַשְׁדּוֹדִי֙ הָאֶשְׁקְלוֹנִ֣י הַגִּתִּ֔י וְהָעֶקְרוֹנִ֖י NAS: the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, KJV: and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, INT: the Gazite the Ashdodite the Ashkelonite the Gittite the Ekronite 1 Occurrence |
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