Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References and Historical ContextAshdod, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It is located in the coastal region of what is now modern-day Israel. The city is known for its strategic importance and its role in various biblical narratives. Ashdod was assigned to the tribe of Judah as part of the territorial allotments described in the Book of Joshua. "Ashdod, with its towns and villages," is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:47). Philistine Stronghold Despite its assignment to Judah, Ashdod remained a Philistine stronghold for much of its history. The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal plains of Canaan and were often in conflict with the Israelites. Ashdod's significance is highlighted in the biblical account of the Ark of the Covenant. After capturing the Ark from the Israelites, the Philistines brought it to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of their god Dagon. The presence of the Ark caused calamities, leading the Philistines to move it to other cities (1 Samuel 5:1-8). Prophetic Pronouncements The prophets of Israel also spoke against Ashdod. In the Book of Amos, the prophet calls upon the Philistines to witness the judgment against Israel, mentioning Ashdod specifically: "Proclaim to the citadels of Ashdod and to the citadels of Egypt: 'Assemble on the mountains of Samaria; see the great unrest in the city and the acts of oppression in her midst'" (Amos 3:9). This highlights Ashdod's role as a witness to the unfolding divine judgment. Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah foretells the destruction of Philistine cities, including Ashdod: "Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: 'I will destroy you, and no inhabitant will be left.' Ashdod will be deserted at midday, and Ekron will be uprooted" (Zephaniah 2:5, 4). New Testament and Later History In the New Testament, Ashdod is referred to by its Greek name, Azotus. After Philip the Evangelist baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, he was found at Azotus, where he continued to preach the gospel (Acts 8:40). This indicates the city's continued existence and significance during the early Christian era. Throughout history, Ashdod has been a site of various conquests and reconstructions, reflecting its enduring strategic and economic importance. Its biblical legacy as a Philistine city assigned to Judah yet often outside Israelite control serves as a testament to the complex history of the region. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 15:47Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, to the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof: Nave's Topical Index Library Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Isaiah The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Babylonia and Assyria The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dagon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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