Ashkelon appears several times in the Old Testament as a city that was inhabited by the Philistines. It is mentioned among the cities that the Israelites were not able to conquer during the time of Joshua. According to Judges 1, Ashkelon was eventually captured by Judah, but the Israelites were unable to maintain control of the city. Later, during the time of the prophets, Ashkelon is among the cities that is prophesied to be destroyed as part of God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel. As a Christian believer, it is interesting to consider the history of Ashkelon and its significance in biblical narratives. It can also serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of his prophecies.
Ashkelon was a city mentioned in the Old Testament that the Israelites were unable to conquer during the time of Joshua.
Ashkelon in the Bible is mentioned as one of the five Philistine cities, along with Gaza, Ekron, Gath, and Ashdod. It is referred to in several books of the Old Testament, including Joshua, Judges, Jeremiah, and Amos. The city played a significant role in the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines throughout biblical history.
Resources:
1. 'And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.' - Judges 15:4 (KJV)
URL: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2015%3A4&version=KJV
2. 'Therefore the he-goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.' - Daniel 8:8 (KJV)
URL: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%208%3A8&version=KJV
3. 'As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.' - Isaiah 31:5 (KJV)
URL: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2031%3A5&version=KJV
Outline:
1. Ashkelon is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament as a city inhabited by the Philistines.
2. The Israelites were unable to conquer Ashkelon during the time of Joshua, but it was eventually captured by Judah according to Judges 1.
3. Despite being captured, the Israelites were unable to maintain control of Ashkelon.
4. Ashkelon is prophesied to be destroyed as part of God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel during the time of the prophets.
5. Ashkelon is one of the five Philistine cities, along with Gaza, Ekron, Gath, and Ashdod, and played a significant role in the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines throughout biblical history.
