The term "Eshtaulite" refers to an inhabitant or native of Eshtaol, a town located in the territory of the tribe of Judah, as described in the Old Testament. Eshtaol is mentioned in several biblical passages, primarily in the context of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel and the narratives surrounding the judges of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Location and Allotment:
Eshtaol is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. In Joshua 15:33, it is listed among the towns in the Shephelah, or the lowland region: "In the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah." This indicates its geographical setting within the tribal boundaries of Judah, although it later becomes associated with the tribe of Dan.

2. Association with Samson:
Eshtaol is notably linked to the account of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. In Judges 13:25, it is recorded that "the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol." This passage highlights the beginning of Samson's divine empowerment and mission against the Philistines. Furthermore, after his death, Samson is buried "between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah" (Judges 16:31), underscoring the area's significance in his life and legacy.

3. Danite Migration:
The tribe of Dan, originally allotted land in the coastal region, struggled to fully possess their territory due to Philistine pressure. As a result, a portion of the Danites sought new land. Judges 18:2 mentions that "the sons of Dan sent five men from their clan, from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it." This expedition eventually led to the conquest of Laish, which they renamed Dan, marking a significant migration and expansion for the tribe.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Eshtaol, as part of the Shephelah, was situated in a region that served as a buffer zone between the coastal Philistine cities and the central highlands occupied by the Israelites. This location made it strategically important and often subject to the tensions and conflicts between these groups.

The association of Eshtaol with both the tribes of Judah and Dan reflects the fluidity of tribal boundaries and interactions in the early settlement period of Israel's history. The narratives involving Eshtaol, particularly those related to Samson, emphasize themes of divine intervention, the struggle for identity and territory, and the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and apostasy.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts have identified the site of Eshtaol with the tell known as Tel Eshtori, located near the modern-day city of Beit Shemesh. Excavations have revealed evidence of settlement from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age, providing insights into the historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narratives.

In summary, the Eshtaulites, as inhabitants of Eshtaol, played a role in the unfolding account of Israel's judges and the tribal dynamics of ancient Israel. The town's mention in key biblical events underscores its importance in the narrative of God's people during the period of the judges.Eshtaulite (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 2:53
And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites,
(Root in KJV WBS YLT)

Eshtaulite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eshtaulite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:53 And
the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites ...
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Eshtarah (1 Occurrence)

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Eshtaulites (1 Occurrence)

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