Topical Encyclopedia Ashkelon, one of the five major Philistine cities, holds a significant place in biblical prophecy. Located along the Mediterranean coast, it was a prominent city in ancient times, known for its strategic and commercial importance. The prophecies concerning Ashkelon are primarily found in the Old Testament, where it is often mentioned in the context of divine judgment against the Philistines.Jeremiah's Prophecy The prophet Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Ashkelon as part of God's judgment against the Philistines. In Jeremiah 47:5-7 , the prophet declares: "Baldness has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself? O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still! How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of the sea." This passage highlights the impending doom that would befall Ashkelon, emphasizing the inevitability of divine judgment. The imagery of the sword of the LORD underscores the certainty and severity of the coming destruction. Ezekiel's Prophecy Ezekiel also prophesied against Ashkelon in the broader context of judgment against the Philistines. In Ezekiel 25:15-17 , the LORD speaks through the prophet: "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproofs. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.'" While Ashkelon is not mentioned by name in this passage, it is included in the broader judgment against the Philistines, of which it was a key city. The prophecy underscores the LORD's retribution against those who acted with hostility towards His people. Zephaniah's Prophecy The prophet Zephaniah also spoke of Ashkelon's fate in the context of judgment against the Philistine cities. In Zephaniah 2:4-7 , the prophecy states: "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be deserted, and Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: 'I will destroy you, and no one will be left.' The seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. And the coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. For the LORD their God will intervene for them and restore their captives." Zephaniah's prophecy not only predicts the desolation of Ashkelon but also offers a glimpse of hope for the remnant of Judah. The city, once a symbol of Philistine power, would become a place of restoration for God's people. Summary of Prophetic Themes The prophecies concerning Ashkelon consistently emphasize themes of divine judgment and retribution against the Philistines for their enmity towards Israel. The prophetic messages serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and justice, demonstrating His control over the nations and His commitment to defending His covenant people. Through the destruction of Ashkelon, the LORD's power and authority are made manifest, fulfilling His word spoken through the prophets. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 25:20And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod, Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 47:5,7 Amos 1:8 Zephaniah 2:4,7 Zechariah 9:5 Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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