Ashkelon, one of the five major Philistine cities, holds a significant place in biblical history and geography. Located on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 12 miles north of Gaza, Ashkelon was a prominent city in ancient times, known for its strategic position and its role in various biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

Ashkelon is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of the Philistines, who were frequent adversaries of the Israelites. In Judges 1:18, the tribe of Judah is said to have captured Ashkelon along with Gaza and Ekron: "Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory." However, the Philistines later regained control, as indicated in the narratives of Samson and David.

In the account of Samson, Ashkelon is the site of one of his early exploits against the Philistines. Judges 14:19 recounts how Samson went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty men, and took their belongings to settle a wager: "Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave the changes of clothes to those who had explained the riddle."

The city is also mentioned in the context of the prophecies against the Philistines. In Jeremiah 47:5, the prophet declares, "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 pronounces judgment on the Philistine cities: "I will cut off the ruler from Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter from Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish," says the Lord GOD.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:

Ashkelon was a thriving city known for its trade and commerce, benefiting from its coastal location. It was famous for its fortifications, which included massive walls and gates. The city's prosperity is evidenced by archaeological findings, including artifacts that reveal a blend of Canaanite, Philistine, and later, Greco-Roman influences.

The Philistines, who were part of the Sea Peoples, settled in Ashkelon around the 12th century BC. They brought with them advanced technologies and cultural practices, which are reflected in the archaeological record. Excavations have uncovered a wealth of information about Philistine life, including pottery, inscriptions, and architectural remains.

Theological Significance:

Ashkelon's role in the biblical narrative underscores the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The city's repeated mention in prophetic literature highlights the theme of divine judgment against nations that opposed God's people. The prophecies concerning Ashkelon serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His ultimate plan for the redemption and restoration of His people.

In summary, Ashkelon stands as a testament to the complex history of the ancient Near East, reflecting both the cultural richness of the Philistine civilization and the enduring biblical themes of conflict, judgment, and divine intervention.Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences)

Joshua 13:3
from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the border of Ekron northward--which is counted to the Canaanites; the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, and the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, and the Ekronite; also the Avvim
(See RSV)

Judges 1:18
Judah also took Gaza with its territory, and Ash'kelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory.
(DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 6:17
And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a guilt-offering unto the LORD: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 1:20
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 25:20
And all the mixed people, And all the kings of the land of Uz, And all the kings of the land of the Philistines, And Ashkelon, and Gazzah, and Ekron, And the remnant of Ashdod,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 47:5
Come hath baldness unto Gaza, Cut off hath been Ashkelon, O remnant of their valley, Till when dost thou cut thyself?
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 47:7
How shall it be quiet, And Jehovah hath given a charge to it, Against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? There hath He appointed it!'
(See RSV)

Amos 1:8
And I have cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, And a holder of a sceptre from Ashkelon, And have turned back My hand against Ekron, And perished have the remnant of the Philistines, Said the Lord Jehovah.
(See RSV)

Zephaniah 2:4
For Gaza is forsaken, And Ashkelon 'is' for a desolation, Ashdod! at noon they do cast her forth, And Ekron is rooted up.
(See RSV)

Zephaniah 2:7
And the coast hath been for the remnant of the house of Judah, By them they have pleasure, In houses of Ashkelon at even they lie down, For inspect them doth Jehovah their God, And He hath turned back 'to' their captivity.
(See RSV)

Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences)
Ash'kelon. Ashkelon, Ash'kelon. Ashkelonite . Multi-Version Concordance
Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences). Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which ...
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Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)

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Ashkelonite (1 Occurrence)

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Territory (140 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Judges 1:18 Judah also took Gaza with its territory, and
Ash'kelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
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