Joshua 15:33
New International Version
In the western foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

New Living Translation
The following towns situated in the western foothills were also given to Judah: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

English Standard Version
And in the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

Berean Standard Bible
These were in the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

King James Bible
And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

New King James Version
In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

New American Standard Bible
In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, and Ashnah,

NASB 1995
In the lowland: Eshtaol and Zorah and Ashnah,

NASB 1977
In the lowland: Eshtaol and Zorah and Ashnah,

Legacy Standard Bible
In the Shephelah: Eshtaol and Zorah and Ashnah,

Amplified Bible
In the lowland: Eshtaol and Zorah and Ashnah,

Christian Standard Bible
In the Judean foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the Judean foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

American Standard Version
In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah,

English Revised Version
In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the foothills they gave Judah 14 cities with their villages: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

Good News Translation
The cities in the foothills were Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

International Standard Version
The lowland cities included Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

Majority Standard Bible
These were in the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

NET Bible
These cities were in the lowlands: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

New Heart English Bible
In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah,

Webster's Bible Translation
And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

World English Bible
In the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In the low country: Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

Young's Literal Translation
In the low country: Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

Smith's Literal Translation
In the plain Eshtaol and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But in the plains: Estaol and Sarea and Asena,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Truly, in the plains, there were: Eshtaol and Zorah and Ashnah,

New American Bible
In the Shephelah: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

New Revised Standard Version
And in the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And in the valley, Eshtaol, Zedaa, Ashtnah,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Eshtwaeil and Tsada and Eshtana
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In the Lowland: Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In the plain country Astaol, and Raa, and Assa,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cities of Judah
32Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages. 33These were in the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 34Zanoah, En-gannim, Tappuah, Enam,…

Cross References
Judges 1:9
Afterward, the men of Judah marched down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country, in the Negev, and in the foothills.

1 Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.

2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.

Nehemiah 11:25-30
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; / in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; / in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; ...

Jeremiah 32:44
Fields will be purchased with silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah—the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev—because I will restore them from captivity, declares the LORD.”

Jeremiah 33:13
In the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev, in the land of Benjamin and the cities surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD.

Matthew 3:1
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

Matthew 4:25
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Matthew 19:1
When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

Mark 3:7-8
So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, / Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.

Luke 3:3
He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

John 3:22
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized.

John 11:54
As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples.

Acts 10:37
You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:

Acts 13:24
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

Joshua 19:41
And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

Numbers 13:23
And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

Judges 13:25
And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Jump to Previous
Ashnah Country Eshtaol Lowland Valley Western Zorah Zoreah
Jump to Next
Ashnah Country Eshtaol Lowland Valley Western Zorah Zoreah
Joshua 15
1. The borders of the lot of Judah
13. Caleb's portion and conquest
16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter
18. She obtains a blessing of her father
21. The cities of Judah
63. The Jebusites unconquered














These were in the foothills:
The term "foothills" refers to the Shephelah, a region of low hills in ancient Israel that served as a transitional zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands. This area was significant for its fertile land and strategic location, often serving as a battleground between the Israelites and their neighbors, such as the Philistines. The Shephelah was crucial for agriculture and trade, contributing to the economic stability of the tribes of Judah and Dan.

Eshtaol:
Eshtaol is historically significant as the area associated with the tribe of Dan. It is notably mentioned in the context of Samson's life, as he was from the region between Zorah and Eshtaol (Judges 13:25). This location is linked to the beginning of Samson's divine empowerment by the Spirit of the Lord. Archaeological findings suggest that Eshtaol was a well-established settlement during the period of the Judges, providing insights into the lifestyle and culture of the Israelites during this era.

Zorah:
Zorah is another town associated with the tribe of Dan and is closely linked to the story of Samson, as it was his birthplace (Judges 13:2). The town's location on a hill provided a strategic advantage, offering a vantage point over the surrounding areas. Zorah's mention in the context of the allotment of land to Judah indicates the fluidity and complexity of tribal boundaries in ancient Israel. The town's history reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, as well as the internal challenges faced by the tribes.

Ashnah:
Ashnah is less frequently mentioned in biblical texts, but its inclusion in the list of towns in the Shephelah highlights its role in the territorial organization of Judah. The town's exact location remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been situated near Eshtaol and Zorah. Ashnah's mention alongside these more prominent towns suggests its integration into the socio-political and economic network of the region. The town's presence in the biblical narrative underscores the comprehensive nature of the land allotment process described in the Book of Joshua.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eshtaol
A town located in the territory of Judah, within the Shephelah or lowland region. It is historically significant as the place where Samson began to be stirred by the Spirit of the Lord (Judges 13:25).

2. Zorah
Another town in the Shephelah, closely associated with Eshtaol. It is the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, and is often mentioned alongside Eshtaol in the context of his life and exploits.

3. Ashnah
A lesser-known town in the same region, mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of Judah. Its exact historical significance is less documented, but it contributes to the understanding of the geographical and cultural landscape of the area.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty in Geography
The specific mention of towns like Eshtaol, Zorah, and Ashnah in the Bible underscores the importance of geography in God's plan. Each location has a role in the unfolding of biblical history, reminding us that God is sovereign over all places and events.

The Role of Heritage and Identity
The towns listed in Joshua 15:33 are part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. This inheritance is not just about land but also about identity and belonging. As Christians, our identity is rooted in our spiritual inheritance through Christ.

The Importance of Obedience and Faithfulness
The history of these towns, especially in connection with Samson, serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God. Samson's life shows the consequences of straying from God's commands, urging us to remain faithful.

God's Use of Imperfect People
Samson's association with Eshtaol and Zorah highlights how God can use imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. This encourages us to trust that God can work through our weaknesses.(33) In the valley--i.e., the Shephelah, or plain of the coast. Of the fourteen that follow in Joshua 15:33-36, Conder identifies ten.

Eshtaol, and Zoreah, were afterwards assigned to Dan (Joshua 19:41).

Verse 33. The valley. בְַּשפֵלָה (see note on Joshua 9:1; 10:40). This was the fertile part of Judah, and formed a part of the rich plain which has been described as extending northward as far as Carmel. It was "renowned for the beauty of its flowers" (Delitzsch). With the exception of Zorah and Eshtaol, border towns to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41; Judges 13:25), famous in the history of Samson (see Judges 13-16.), and mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:10; Nehemiah 11:29, the cities remarkable in history have been noticed already. It is worthy of remark that the cities of the Philistines were included in this list. But the Philistines, save during the reigns of David and Solomon, retained their independence, and in earlier and later times alike even encroached upon the Jewish territory (see 1 Samuel 13:5; 2 Chronicles 28:18; and note on ver. 11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[These were] in the foothills:
בַּשְּׁפֵלָ֑ה (baš·šə·p̄ê·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8219: Lowland

Eshtaol,
אֶשְׁתָּא֥וֹל (’eš·tā·’ō·wl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 847: Eshtaol -- to found, establish

Zorah,
וְצָרְעָ֖ה (wə·ṣā·rə·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6881: Zorah -- a city exchanged by Judah and Dan

Ashnah,
וְאַשְׁנָֽה׃ (wə·’aš·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 823: Ashnah -- two cities in Judah


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OT History: Joshua 15:33 In the lowland Eshtaol Zorah Ashnah (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 15:32
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