Topical Encyclopedia
Geographical Location:Eshtaol is a town located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah. It is situated near the border of the tribal territories of Judah and Dan. The town is mentioned in several biblical passages, indicating its significance in the history of Israel.
Biblical References:Eshtaol is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.
Joshua 15:33 lists Eshtaol among the towns in the lowland region: "In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah." Later, in
Joshua 19:41, it is also included in the allotment for the tribe of Dan: "The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh."
Historical and Cultural Significance:Eshtaol holds particular importance in the narrative of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. It is in the region between Zorah and Eshtaol that the Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson, as recorded in
Judges 13:25: "And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol." This indicates that Eshtaol was part of the early life and calling of Samson, a significant figure in Israel's history.
After Samson's death, his body was brought back to the area between Zorah and Eshtaol for burial, as noted in
Judges 16:31: "Then his brothers and all his father's household came down, carried him back, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah."
Archaeological Insights:Archaeological excavations in the region have provided insights into the ancient settlement patterns and lifestyle in Eshtaol. Findings suggest that the area was inhabited during the Iron Age, aligning with the biblical timeline of the Judges. The discoveries include remnants of fortifications, pottery, and other artifacts that reflect the cultural and economic activities of the inhabitants.
Theological Implications:Eshtaol's mention in the context of Samson's life highlights the theme of divine calling and empowerment. The stirring of the Spirit of the Lord in Samson at Eshtaol signifies the beginning of his role as a deliverer of Israel, despite his personal flaws and challenges. This underscores the biblical principle that God can use imperfect individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Modern Relevance:Today, Eshtaol is identified with the modern village of Eshtaol, located near Beit Shemesh in Israel. The area continues to be of interest to biblical scholars, archaeologists, and tourists who seek to understand the historical and spiritual heritage of the biblical narrative.
Conclusion:While Eshtaol may not be as prominent as other biblical locations, its role in the account of Samson and its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Judah and Dan reflect its importance in the biblical history of Israel. The town serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His plans through the lives of His chosen people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Eshtaola strong woman
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Eshtaol(a pass), a town in the low country --theShefelah --of Judah, after wards allotted to Dan. (Joshua 15:33;19:41) Here Samson spent his boyhood, and hither after his last exploit his body was brought. (Judges 13:25;16:31;18:2,8,11,12)
ATS Bible Dictionary
EshtaolA town on the western border of Judah, afterwards given to Dan,Joshua 15:33; 19:41. It is named in the history of Samson, Jud 13:25; 16:31.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Narrow pass or recess, a town (
Joshua 15:33) in the low country, the She-phelah of Judah. It was allotted to the tribe of Dan (
Joshua 19:41), and was one of their strongholds. Here Samson spent his boyhood, and first began to show his mighty strength; and here he was buried in the burying-place of Manoah his father (
Judges 13:25;
16:31;
18:2, 8, 11, 12). It is identified with the modern Yeshua, on a hill 2 miles east of Zorah. Others, however, identify it with Kustul, east of Kirjath-jearim.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ESHTAOLesh'-ta-ol ('eshta'ol; Astaol):
A town in the Shephelah of Judah named next to Zorah (Joshua 15:33;Joshua 19:41). Between these two cities lay Mahaneh-dan (the camp of Dan) where the Spirit of the Lord began to move Samson (Judges 13:25), and where he was buried (Judges 16:31). A contingent from Eshtaol formed part of the 600 Danites who captured Laish (Judges 18:2, 11).
It is probably represented by the modern Ashu`a, about a mile and a half East of Zorah, the modern Car`ah.
Strong's Hebrew
847b.Eshtaol -- a city in JudahEshtaol or
Eshtaol. 847a, 847b.
Eshtaol or
Eshtaol. 848 . a city in Judah.
Transliteration:
Eshtaol or
Eshtaol Short Definition:
Eshtaol.
...848. Eshtauli -- inhab. ofEshtaol
... inhab. ofEshtaol. Transliteration: Eshtauli Phonetic Spelling: (esh-taw-oo-lee')
Short Definition: Eshtaolites. Word Origin fromEshtaol Definition inhab....
847. Eshta'ol -- to found, establish
Eshta'ol. 846, 847. Eshta'ol. 847a . to found, establish. Transliteration:
Eshta'ol Phonetic Spelling: (esh-taw-ole') Short Definition:Eshtaol.Eshtaol...
Library
A Strong Man who Lost his Strength
... Then his brothers and all his family came down and took him away and buried him
between Zorah andEshtaol in the burying-place of Manoah his father....
Thesaurus
Eshtaol (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ESHTAOL.
... A contingent from
Eshtaol formed
part of the 600 Danites who captured Laish (Judges 18:2, 11).
...Zorah (10 Occurrences)
... zo'-ra (tsor`ah; Saraa): A city on the border of Dan, betweenEshtaol and Ir-shemesh
(Joshua 19:41); the birthplace of Samson (Judges 13:2, 25); near here too...
Mahaneh-dan (2 Occurrences)
... 18:12 = "camp of Dan" 13:25 (RV, "Mahaneh-dan"), a place behind (ie, west of)
Kirjath-jearim, where the six hundred Danites from Zorah andEshtaol encamped on...
Mahanehdan (1 Occurrence)
... 18:12 = "camp of Dan" 13:25 (RV, "Mahaneh-dan"), a place behind (ie, west of)
Kirjath-jearim, where the six hundred Danites from Zorah andEshtaol encamped on...
Kiriathjearim
... 1. Scripture References: Judges 18:12 records that the men of Dan set forth out
of Zorah andEshtaol and encamped in Mahaneh-dan behind (West of) Kiriath-jearim...
Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... 1. Scripture References: Judges 18:12 records that the men of Dan set forth out
of Zorah andEshtaol and encamped in Mahaneh-dan behind (West of) Kiriath-jearim...
Esh'ta-ol (6 Occurrences)
Esh'ta-ol.Eshtaol, Esh'ta-ol. Eshta'ol .... Joshua 19:41 And the border of their
inheritance was Zorah, andEshtaol, and Ir-shemesh; (See RSV)....
Zoreah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zoreah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:33 And in the
valley,Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, (KJV DBY WBS YLT)....
Dan (71 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Judges 13:25 The Spirit of
Yahweh began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah andEshtaol....
Samson (37 Occurrences)
... 13:5, 7, 14). The spirit of Yahweh first began to move him in Mahaneh-dan,
between Zorah andEshtaol (13:25). On his arriving at...
Resources
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