Topical Encyclopedia Zorah, an ancient city of significant biblical importance, is primarily known as the birthplace and home of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel. Situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, Zorah is located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, near the border with the Philistine territories. This geographical positioning played a crucial role in the narrative of Samson, who frequently engaged with the Philistines, Israel's adversaries during the period of the Judges.Biblical References and Historical Context Zorah is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Dan: "The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan according to its clans. The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh..." (Joshua 19:40-41). Despite being allocated to Dan, the tribe struggled to fully possess their inheritance due to the strong presence of the Philistines in the region. The city gains prominence in the narrative of Samson, whose account is detailed in the Book of Judges. Samson's birth is foretold by an angel of the Lord to his parents, Manoah and his wife, who resided in Zorah. The angel's announcement is recorded in Judges 13:2-3: "Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. The Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son.'" This divine encounter sets the stage for Samson's life as a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth. Zorah's proximity to Philistine lands is significant in understanding the context of Samson's exploits. His frequent ventures into Philistine territory, including his marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah, highlight the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines. Samson's actions, often driven by personal vendettas, were used by God to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, as noted in Judges 14-16. Archaeological and Geographical Insights Modern archaeological efforts have identified Zorah with the site of Tel Tzora, located near the Sorek Valley. The region's topography, characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, aligns with the biblical description of the Shephelah. Excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the time of the Judges. The strategic location of Zorah, overlooking the Sorek Valley, provided a vantage point for monitoring Philistine movements. This geographical advantage may have contributed to the city's role in the narratives of conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Cultural and Theological Significance Zorah's association with Samson underscores its importance in biblical history and theology. Samson's life, marked by extraordinary physical strength and moral weaknesses, serves as a complex narrative of divine empowerment and human frailty. His account illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty and deliverance, even through flawed individuals. The city of Zorah, therefore, is not merely a geographical location but a backdrop for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the judges of Israel. It stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between divine providence and human agency in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Judges 13:2,24,25And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bore not. Nave's Topical Index Judges 16:31 Library Samson who did to Others as they did to Him Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... 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 |
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