Eshtaol
“Possibly 'narrow pass' or 'place of asking'”
Summary
A town in the lowland of Judah allotted to Dan, closely associated with Samson's life and the Danite migration.
☩Location and Assignment
Eshtaol was a town in the Shephelah (low country) of Judah, consistently mentioned alongside Zorah. Originally listed among the towns of Judah, it was allotted to the tribe of Dan on the Philistine border. Between Zorah and Eshtaol lay Mahaneh-dan ('camp of Dan'), the headquarters of the Danite community during their struggles with the Philistines.
☩Association with Samson
Eshtaol is closely connected with Samson. Here, between Zorah and Eshtaol, the Spirit of the Lord began to move him in his youth. After his final exploit bringing down the temple of Dagon upon the Philistines, his body was brought to Eshtaol and buried 'in the burying place of Manoah his father.' The six hundred Danites who captured Laish came from Zorah and Eshtaol, towns known for their daring warriors.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Eshtaol," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Eshtaol," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Eshtaol," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).