Ashkelon
Ashkelon was a major coastal city among the five Philistine strongholds, a wealthy port that Samson attacked after being provoked over his failed marriage, striking down thirty of its men to pay off a wagered debt. It remained a persistent thorn in Israel's side and a frequent target of prophetic judgment, with Zephaniah and Zechariah both foretelling its destruction alongside the other Philistine cities. David's lament over Saul and Jonathan famously pleads that the news of their deaths not be published 'in the streets of Askelon,' lest the Philistine women rejoice.
Details
- Region
- Philistia
- Modern Location
- Ashkelon, Israel (coastal)
Key Passages
Samson Strikes Down Men of Ashkelon
Judges 14:19
Samson kills thirty men of Ashkelon to settle a debt from his wedding riddle - an early sign of the conflict that would define his life.
19nd the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his fatherโs house.