Introduction:
The people of Ashdod, known as Ashdodites, were inhabitants of one of the five principal cities of the Philistine pentapolis. Ashdod was a significant city located in the coastal region of ancient Philistia, which is present-day southern Israel. The city played a crucial role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Philistines' interactions with the Israelites.

Historical Background:
Ashdod is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 11:22, it is noted that the Anakim, a race of giants, remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. The city was allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:47), but the Israelites did not fully conquer it, and it remained under Philistine control for much of the biblical period.

Biblical References and Events:

1. The Ark of the Covenant:
One of the most notable events involving the people of Ashdod is the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. After defeating the Israelites at the battle of Ebenezer, the Philistines brought the Ark to Ashdod and placed it in the temple of their god Dagon. The following morning, the statue of Dagon was found fallen on its face before the Ark. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 5:1-5: "When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried it into the temple of Dagon and set it beside his statue."

2. Divine Judgment:
The presence of the Ark in Ashdod brought calamity upon the city. The Lord afflicted the people with tumors, and a great panic ensued. The Ashdodites recognized this as the hand of the God of Israel and decided to send the Ark away to avoid further disaster (1 Samuel 5:6-8).

3. Prophetic Denunciations:
The prophets also spoke against Ashdod. In Amos 1:8, the Lord declares judgment on the Philistine cities, including Ashdod: "I will cut off the ruler from Ashdod and the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon." Similarly, Zephaniah 2:4-7 prophesies the desolation of Philistine cities, including Ashdod, as part of God's judgment against the nations.

4. Nehemiah's Reforms:
During the time of Nehemiah, some of the Israelites had intermarried with the people of Ashdod, leading to a dilution of Jewish cultural and religious identity. Nehemiah 13:23-24 records his response: "In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, but they could not speak the language of Judah."

Cultural and Religious Influence:
The people of Ashdod, like other Philistines, were known for their worship of deities such as Dagon. Their culture was distinct from that of the Israelites, often leading to conflicts and tensions. The Philistines, including the Ashdodites, were skilled in warfare and ironworking, which gave them a technological advantage over the Israelites at various times.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological excavations at Ashdod have uncovered significant findings that provide insight into the city's history and culture. These include fortifications, temples, and artifacts that reflect the city's importance as a Philistine stronghold.

Conclusion:
The people of Ashdod played a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in their interactions with the Israelites. Their city was a center of Philistine power and culture, and their encounters with the God of Israel left a lasting impact on their history as recorded in the Scriptures.