Topical Encyclopedia Zorah is a significant location in biblical history, particularly in the context of the tribe of Dan. It is mentioned as a city within the allotment of the tribe of Dan, situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. Zorah holds a notable place in the narrative of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.Biblical References and Historical Context Zorah is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 19:41 , it is listed as one of the towns in the territory assigned to the tribe of Dan: "The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh." This indicates its importance as a Danite city and its strategic location in the region. The city gains further prominence in the narrative of the judges, particularly in the account of Samson. Zorah is identified as the hometown of Manoah, Samson's father. Judges 13:2 states, "Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children." This sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Samson, one of Israel's most famous judges, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Spies from Zorah Zorah is also significant in the account of the Danite migration and conquest. In Judges 18, representatives from the tribe of Dan, seeking a territory to settle, sent out five men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land. Judges 18:2 records, "So the Danites sent out five of their leading men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it, saying to them, 'Go, explore the land.'" These spies traveled to the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they encountered a Levite priest. This encounter led to the eventual conquest of Laish, a city far to the north, which the Danites captured and renamed Dan. This migration and conquest are significant as they illustrate the Danites' struggle to find a suitable inheritance and their eventual establishment in a new territory. Cultural and Theological Significance Zorah's role in the biblical narrative highlights several themes. It underscores the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their inheritance, reflecting the broader struggles of the Israelites during the period of the judges. The account of the spies from Zorah also illustrates the importance of divine guidance and providence, as the Danites sought a place where they could thrive and fulfill God's promises to their ancestors. Moreover, Zorah's association with Samson adds a layer of complexity to its significance. Samson's life, marked by both divine empowerment and personal failings, serves as a reminder of the potential for both greatness and weakness within God's chosen leaders. Zorah, as his birthplace, becomes a symbol of the beginning of God's deliverance through an imperfect but divinely appointed judge. In summary, Zorah is a city rich in biblical history, serving as a focal point for the narratives of tribal inheritance, divine intervention, and the complexities of leadership in ancient Israel. Its mention in the context of the Danite spies highlights the ongoing quest for fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 18:1In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Resources What does the Bible say about the hornet? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |