Lexical Summary Eshtauli: Eshtaolite Original Word: אֶשְׁתָּאֻלִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Eshtaulites Patrial from 'Eshta'ol; an Eshtaolite (collectively) or inhabitant of Eshtaol -- Eshtaulites. see HEBREW 'Eshta'ol NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Eshtaol Definition inhab. of Eshtaol NASB Translation Eshtaolites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶשְׁתָּאֻלִי adjective, of a people with article ׳הָא as collective noun 1 Chronicles 2:53. Topical Lexicon Definition and ScopeThe term “Eshtaolite” designates an inhabitant or clan originating from Eshtaol, a town repeatedly linked with the tribe of Dan and the borderlands of Judah. Although the specific word occurs only once (1 Chronicles 2:53), Scripture frequently associates Eshtaol with pivotal moments in Israel’s history, thereby giving the Eshtaolites collective significance beyond a single genealogical notice. Primary Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 2:53 lists the Eshtaolites among “the clans of Kiriath Jearim,” stating, “The Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites. From these the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites came.” The verse appears within Judah’s genealogies, highlighting the inter-tribal mingling that often characterized the border regions of the Promised Land. Historical Setting of Eshtaol Eshtaol lay in the Shephelah, close to Zorah and within view of the Sorek Valley. Its strategic placement on the boundary of Dan and Judah exposed it to Philistine pressure yet also positioned it as a launching point for Israelite exploits: • Judges 13:25 records that “the Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol,” underlining Eshtaol’s role in the rise of one of Israel’s most renowned judges. • Judges 18 narrates Danite scouts departing from Eshtaol before seizing Laish, reflecting the town’s function as a military staging ground. • Judges 16:31 notes Samson’s burial “between Zorah and Eshtaol,” cementing the locality’s importance in Danite identity. These passages, taken together, portray Eshtaol as a frontier settlement whose residents, the Eshtaolites, lived at the intersection of faith, warfare, and tribal destiny. Tribal Affiliation and Genealogical Significance While Eshtaol is typically classified within Danite territory (Joshua 19:41–42), 1 Chronicles 2 attaches the Eshtaolites to Judah’s lineage through Kiriath Jearim. This dual linkage illustrates the fluidity of ancient tribal boundaries: 1. Mixed heritage: The presence of Eshtaolites in Judah’s genealogy hints at intermarriage or absorption, reminding readers that Israel’s tribes, though distinct, shared covenantal unity. Ministry and Theological Insights 1. Divine empowerment at the margins Samson’s first anointing takes place between Zorah and Eshtaol (Judges 13:25), teaching that the Lord often initiates His work in seemingly peripheral places. Believers today can expect the Spirit’s stirring not only in centers of power but also in obscurity. 2. The cost of compromise The Danites who left Eshtaol to found Laish (Judges 18) demonstrate a tribe dissatisfied with its initial allotment. Their migration, while tactically successful, foreshadowed later idolatry (Judges 18:30–31). Modern ministry must guard against discontent that leads to unfaithful solutions. 3. Burial and legacy Samson’s grave “between Zorah and Eshtaol” symbolizes both triumph and tragedy. His final resting place among the Eshtaolites calls believers to finish well, lest their victories be overshadowed by squandered potential. Practical Applications for the Church • Border-lands ministry: Like Eshtaol, many congregations labor at cultural or spiritual frontiers. The Eshtaolite example encourages steadfastness amid external pressures. • Inter-tribal cooperation: The genealogical placement in 1 Chronicles 2 invites collaboration across denominational or ethnic lines under the greater covenant in Christ. • Remembering heritage: Just as Eshtaol preserved memories of Samson and Danite exploits, local churches should chronicle God’s past faithfulness to inspire future generations. Conclusion Though referenced only once by name, the Eshtaolites represent a people shaped by boundary life, Spirit-initiated deliverance, and the complexity of Israel’s tribal tapestry. Their account urges today’s believers to embrace God’s purposes wherever He positions them, confident that even little-mentioned places and people play essential roles in redemptive history. Forms and Transliterations וְהָאֶשְׁתָּ֖אֻֽלִֽי׃ והאשתאלי׃ vehaeshTauLi wə·hā·’eš·tā·’u·lî wəhā’eštā’ulîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:53 HEB: יָצְאוּ֙ הַצָּ֣רְעָתִ֔י וְהָאֶשְׁתָּ֖אֻֽלִֽי׃ ס NAS: the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. KJV: the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites. INT: came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites 1 Occurrence |
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