The Ashkelonites were the inhabitants of Ashkelon, one of the five major Philistine cities located along the coastal plain of ancient Canaan. Ashkelon, along with Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath, formed the pentapolis of the Philistine confederation. The city of Ashkelon is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of the Israelites' interactions and conflicts with the Philistines.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 1:18 · "And Judah captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory." This verse highlights the initial success of the tribe of Judah in capturing key Philistine cities, including Ashkelon, during the period of the Judges. However, the Philistines would later reassert control over these areas.

2. 1 Samuel 6:17 · "As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron." This passage refers to the return of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines after it had caused plagues in their land. Ashkelon is listed among the cities that suffered from the presence of the Ark.

3. 2 Samuel 1:20 · "Do not tell it in Gath, do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult." In this lamentation over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David expresses his desire to keep the news from reaching Philistine cities like Ashkelon, to prevent their enemies from celebrating Israel's loss.

4. Jeremiah 47:5 · "Baldness has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself?" The prophet Jeremiah foretells the coming judgment upon the Philistine cities, including Ashkelon, as part of God's divine retribution against the nations surrounding Israel.

5. Zephaniah 2:4 · "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied, and Ekron will be uprooted." This prophecy by Zephaniah predicts the desolation that will befall the Philistine cities, emphasizing the impending judgment on Ashkelon.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Ashkelon was a significant maritime city with a strategic location along the Mediterranean coast, making it a vital center for trade and military operations. The Philistines, known for their advanced iron technology and formidable military prowess, often clashed with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament narrative.

The Ashkelonites, as part of the Philistine confederation, were polytheistic, worshiping deities such as Dagon and Baal. Their culture and religious practices often stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites, leading to frequent conflicts and cultural exchanges.

Archaeological excavations in Ashkelon have uncovered evidence of its rich history, including fortifications, temples, and artifacts that provide insight into the life and times of the Ashkelonites. These findings corroborate the biblical accounts of Ashkelon's significance and its interactions with the surrounding nations.

Theological Significance:

The Ashkelonites, as part of the Philistine people, serve as a representation of the persistent challenges and adversaries faced by the Israelites in their quest to establish and maintain their covenantal identity in the Promised Land. The biblical narrative often uses the Philistines, including the Ashkelonites, to illustrate themes of faithfulness, divine judgment, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations.ASHKELONITES

ash'-ke-lon-its (Joshua 13:3): The people of Ashkelon, who were Philistines.

Ashkelonites (1 Occurrence)
...ASHKELONITES. ash'-ke-lon-its (Joshua 13:3): The people of Ashkelon, who were
Philistines. Multi-Version Concordance Ashkelonites (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/ashkelonites.htm - 7k

Ashkelonite (1 Occurrence)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/a/ashkelonite.htm - 6k

Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)
... Philistines. The Ashkelonites are mentioned by Joshua (Joshua 13:3), and
the city was taken by the tribe of Judah (Judges 1:18). ...
/a/ashkelon.htm - 13k

Ashkenaz (3 Occurrences)

/a/ashkenaz.htm - 8k

Gazite (1 Occurrence)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/g/gazite.htm - 6k

Gittite (10 Occurrences)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/g/gittite.htm - 10k

Gittites (2 Occurrences)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/g/gittites.htm - 8k

Gazites (2 Occurrences)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/g/gazites.htm - 7k

Ekronites (2 Occurrences)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/e/ekronites.htm - 7k

Ekron (20 Occurrences)
... the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of
the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites ...
/e/ekron.htm - 17k

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