Geographical and Historical Context:

Askelon, also spelled Ashkelon, is one of the five major Philistine cities mentioned in the Bible, located on the coastal plain of what is now modern-day Israel. It was strategically positioned between Gaza and Ashdod, approximately 12 miles north of Gaza. Askelon was an important maritime and trade center due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its fortifications and was a significant hub in the ancient world, with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age.

Biblical References:

Askelon is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Philistines, who were often in conflict with the Israelites. In Judges 1:18, the tribe of Judah is said to have captured Askelon along with Gaza and Ekron: "And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory." However, the Philistines later regained control, as indicated in other biblical narratives.

In the account of Samson, Askelon is the site of one of his exploits against the Philistines. Judges 14:19 recounts how "the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, took their belongings, and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle." This act of vengeance was part of the ongoing hostilities between Samson and the Philistines.

The city is also mentioned in the prophetic literature. In Jeremiah 47:5, the prophet laments the fate of the Philistine cities, including Askelon: "Baldness has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?" Similarly, in Amos 1:8, the LORD declares judgment against the Philistines: "I will cut off the ruler from Ashdod and the scepter from Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish," says the Lord GOD.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Askelon was not only a political and military stronghold but also a center of Philistine religion and culture. The Philistines were known for their worship of deities such as Dagon and Baal-Zebub, and Askelon likely housed temples dedicated to these gods. The city's religious practices often stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites, contributing to the tension between the two peoples.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological excavations at Askelon have uncovered significant findings that provide insight into its ancient past. These include remnants of fortifications, artifacts, and inscriptions that attest to its role as a major Philistine city. The discoveries have helped scholars better understand the cultural and historical context of the biblical narratives involving Askelon.

Symbolic and Theological Themes:

In the biblical narrative, Askelon represents the persistent threat and opposition posed by the Philistines to the Israelites. The city's repeated mention in contexts of conflict and divine judgment underscores themes of God's sovereignty and justice. The prophetic declarations against Askelon and other Philistine cities serve as reminders of the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and His divine will.

Askelon's account in the Bible is a testament to the complex interplay of politics, religion, and divine intervention in the history of the ancient Near East. Its legacy continues to be a subject of interest for biblical scholars and archaeologists alike.Askelon

weight; balance; fire of infamy

Askelon

A city in the land of the Philistines, between Ashdod and Gaza, on the coast of the Mediterranean. After the death of Joshua, the tribe of Judah took Askelon; but it subsequently became one of the five governments belonging to the Philistines, Jude 1:18; 1 Samuel 6:17. Dr. Richardson thus describes its present state: "Askelon was one of the proudest satrapies of the Philistines; now there is not an inhabitant within its walls; and the prophecy of Zechariah is fulfilled: �The king shall perish from Gaza, and Askelon shall not be inhabited-" Zechariah 9:5.

ASKELON

as'-ke-lon: the King James Version form in Judges 1:18 1 Samuel 6:17; 2 Samuel 1:20, for ASHKELON (which see).

Then Herod, a Foreigner, the Son of Antipater of Askelon...
... Book II. Chapter XXVII. Then Herod, a foreigner, the son of Antipater
of Askelon? Then Herod, a foreigner, the son of Antipater ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxvii then herod a.htm

The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... the victory they had gotten, and their having taken the ark captive, had not happened
for their good; they therefore sent to the people of Askelon, and desired ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the destruction that.htm

How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ...
... And when he was at Askelon, and demanded the taxes of the people of Askelon, they
refused to pay any thing, and affronted him also; upon which he seized upon ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm

The Jews Become Confederates with Caesar when He Fought against ...
... Mithridates of Pergainus was bringing his auxiliaries, and was not able to continue
his march through Pelusium, but obliged to stay at Askelon, Antipater came ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the jews become.htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... on fire, and then went to Kedasa, belonging to the Tyrians, and to Ptolemais, and
to Gaba, and to Cesarea; nor was either Sebaste [Samaria] or Askelon able to ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ...
... When Jonathan therefore had overcome so great an army, he removed from Ashdod, and
came to Askelon; and when he had pitched his camp without the city, the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how alexander honored.htm

How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ...
... And when he was come from thence to Askelon, the inhabitants of Askelon came
and brought him presents, and met him in a splendid manner. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how trypho after.htm

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
... of the heathens among whom Jacob dwelt was that their gods had only local authority;
that for instance, the god of Gaza was not the god of Askelon; the god of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jacobs waking exclamation.htm

Well, Then, after Jonathan, his Brother Simon, as Has Been Said ...
... Hyrcanus. Settling the tribute to be paid by the Jews, he placed over
them as governor a certain Antipater of Askelon. Hyrcanus ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxvi well then after.htm

How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served ...
... they prepared therefore their chariots, and gathered their soldiery together, their
cities also combined together, and drew over to them Askelon and Ekron ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the israelites.htm

Askelon (3 Occurrences)
...ASKELON. as'-ke-lon: the King James Version form in Judges 1:18 1 Samuel 6:17;
2 Samuel 1:20, for ASHKELON (which see). ...Askelon (3 Occurrences). ...
/a/askelon.htm - 7k

Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary =Askelon=Ascalon, was one of the five cities
of the Philistines (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17). It stood ...
/a/ashkelon.htm - 13k

Jabneh (1 Occurrence)
... of Yebna which stands upon a hill a little to the South of the Nahr Rubin, about
12 or 13 miles South of Jaffa, on the road from there to Askelon, and about 4 ...
/j/jabneh.htm - 10k

Jabneel (2 Occurrences)
... of Yebna which stands upon a hill a little to the South of the Nahr Rubin, about
12 or 13 miles South of Jaffa, on the road from there to Askelon, and about 4 ...
/j/jabneel.htm - 11k

Lachish (22 Occurrences)
... Hesy is situated on a wady, or valley, of the same name (Wady el Hesy), which runs
from a point about 6 miles West of Hebron to the sea between Gaza and Askelon...
/l/lachish.htm - 22k

Captureth (24 Occurrences)
... kingdoms; (YLT). Judges 1:18 And Judah captureth Gaza and its border, and Askelon
and its border, and Ekron and its border; (YLT). Judges 8 ...
/c/captureth.htm - 13k

Askest (5 Occurrences)

/a/askest.htm - 7k

Asked (1840 Occurrences)

/a/asked.htm - 6k

Emerods (8 Occurrences)
... 6:17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass
offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for ...
/e/emerods.htm - 11k

Coast (70 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Judges 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with
the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. (KJV). ...
/c/coast.htm - 31k

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