The Eshkalonites were the inhabitants of Ashkelon, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, located on the southwestern coast of ancient Canaan. Ashkelon, along with Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath, formed the pentapolis of Philistine power during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy in Israel. The city of Ashkelon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often in the context of Israel's interactions and conflicts with the Philistines.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 1:18 · "And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory." This verse highlights the initial successes of the tribe of Judah in capturing key Philistine cities, including Ashkelon, during the early conquest period. 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. 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 broader judgment against the nations surrounding Israel.

4. Zephaniah 2:4 · "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be deserted, and Ekron will be uprooted." Zephaniah prophesies the desolation that will come upon the Philistine cities, emphasizing the divine judgment that will render Ashkelon desolate.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Ashkelon was a significant maritime and trade center due to its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. The city was known for its fortifications and played a crucial role in the economic and military activities of the Philistines. The Eshkalonites, as part of the Philistine confederation, were often in conflict with the Israelites, as the Philistines sought to expand their influence and control over the region.

The Philistines, including the Eshkalonites, were of Aegean origin, often associated with the Sea Peoples who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Their culture was distinct from that of the Israelites, with different religious practices and deities, such as Dagon, who was worshiped in Ashkelon and other Philistine cities.

Theological Significance:

The interactions between the Israelites and the Eshkalonites, as part of the broader Philistine nation, serve as a backdrop for many of the narratives in the Old Testament. These interactions highlight themes of faithfulness, divine judgment, and the struggle between the people of God and the surrounding pagan nations. The repeated conflicts with the Philistines, including those involving Ashkelon, underscore the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenant identity amidst external pressures and influences.

The prophetic declarations against Ashkelon and the Philistines serve as reminders of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan to bring justice and restoration. The fate of the Eshkalonites, as depicted in the prophetic literature, illustrates the consequences of opposing God's purposes and the eventual triumph of His will in history.832. Eshqeloni -- inhab. of Ashkelon
... Eshkalonites. Patrial from 'Ashqlown; Ashkelonite (collectively) or inhabitant of
Ashkelon -- Eshkalonites. see HEBREW 'Ashqlown. 831, 832. Eshqeloni. 833 ...
/hebrew/832.htm - 6kEshkalonites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eshkalonites (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:3 From Sihor,
which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron ...
/e/eshkalonites.htm - 6k

Eshkalonite (1 Occurrence)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/e/eshkalonite.htm - 7k

Gazathites (2 Occurrences)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/g/gazathites.htm - 7k

Gazathite (1 Occurrence)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/g/gazathite.htm - 6k

Eshkalon (1 Occurrence)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/e/eshkalon.htm - 6k

Eshpar (1 Occurrence)

/e/eshpar.htm - 6k

Avites (2 Occurrences)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/a/avites.htm - 7k

Ashdothites (1 Occurrence)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/a/ashdothites.htm - 6k

Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)
... ASHKELON. ask'-ke-lon, esh'-ka-lon, as'-ke-lon (the King James Version Eshkalon,
(Eshkalonites; Joshua 13:3); Askelon, (Judges 1:18 1 Samuel 6:17 2 Samuel 1:20 ...
/a/ashkelon.htm - 13k

Ashdothite (1 Occurrence)
... of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines;
the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and ...
/a/ashdothite.htm - 6k

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