Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Azotus, known in the Old Testament as Ashdod, is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located in the coastal region of what is now modern-day Israel. It is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, and holds historical and theological significance.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, Azotus is referred to as Ashdod. It is first mentioned in the context of the Philistine cities that were part of the land promised to the Israelites. In Joshua 13:3, the city is listed among the territories that remained to be conquered: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron in the north, all of it counted as Canaanite; the territory of the five Philistine rulers in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron." Ashdod was a significant Philistine city, known for its strong fortifications and strategic location. It was a center of worship for the Philistine god Dagon. In 1 Samuel 5, the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines and brought to Ashdod, where it was placed in the temple of Dagon. The presence of the Ark caused great distress in the city, as the idol of Dagon fell before the Ark, and the people of Ashdod were afflicted with tumors. The city is also mentioned in the context of the Assyrian conquest. In Isaiah 20:1, it is recorded that "In the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it." This event underscores the city's importance and the geopolitical struggles of the region. New Testament References In the New Testament, Azotus is mentioned in the Book of Acts. After Philip the Evangelist baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, he was supernaturally transported to Azotus. Acts 8:40 states, "But Philip appeared at Azotus, and as he traveled through that region, he preached the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea." This passage highlights the spread of the early Christian message and the role of Azotus as a waypoint in the missionary journeys of the apostles. Historical and Archaeological Insights Azotus/Ashdod has been the subject of archaeological interest, revealing layers of occupation that date back to the Bronze Age. Excavations have uncovered remnants of Philistine culture, including pottery and fortifications, which provide insight into the city's historical significance and its role in the ancient Near East. Theological Significance Azotus serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His plans throughout biblical history. The city's repeated mention in Scripture underscores the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as well as the broader narrative of God's sovereignty over nations. The New Testament reference to Azotus in the context of Philip's evangelistic work illustrates the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the message of salvation through Jesus Christ began to reach the Gentile world. Azotus, therefore, stands as a symbol of both judgment and redemption, reflecting the complex interplay of divine justice and grace throughout the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AzotusSmith's Bible Dictionary AzotusATS Bible Dictionary AzotusSee ASHDOD. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Grecized form (Acts 8:40, etc.) of Ashdod (q.v.). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AZOTUSa-zo'-tus. See ASHDOD (1 Maccabees 9:15); Acts 8:40). Greek 108. Azotos -- Azotus (ie Ashdod), a Philistine city ... Azotus (ie Ashdod), a Philistine city. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Azotos Phonetic Spelling: (ad'-zo-tos) Short Definition: Azotus, Ashdod ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/108.htm - 6k Library Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches. Jabneh. Jamnia. A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ... Gadara Acts viii. 26, 27 The Philistines, victorious in this Prosperous Battle, Brought the ... Philip the Evangelist A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. A Meeting in the Desert Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... Thesaurus Azotus (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AZOTUS. a-zo'-tus. ... Multi-Version Concordance Azotus (1 Occurrence). Acts 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus. ... /a/azotus.htm - 7k Azo'tus (1 Occurrence) Ashdod (21 Occurrences) Philip (37 Occurrences) Kidron (11 Occurrences) Ocina Traveled (104 Occurrences) Reached (152 Occurrences) Proclaiming (63 Occurrences) Cesarea (17 Occurrences) Resources What is an evangelist? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about teleportation? | GotQuestions.org Who was Philip in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Azotus (1 Occurrence)Acts 8:40 Subtopics Related Terms |
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