### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G108 (Ázōtos) is a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. It is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew name `{{H795}}` (Ashdod), one of the five principal cities of the Philistine pentapolis. As a place name, its semantic range is fixed to this particular city and does not carry broader conceptual or abstract meanings. The city's name, Ashdod, is often thought to derive from a root meaning "fortress" or "stronghold," reflecting its strategic importance and fortified nature in antiquity. For G108, the meaning is solely denotative, pointing to this historically significant urban center.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G108 (Ázōtos) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 8:40]]: "But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea."
In this context, Azotus marks a significant point in the divinely guided missionary journey of Philip the evangelist. Following his miraculous transportation by the Spirit of the Lord after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip "was found" at Azotus. This abrupt appearance highlights the supernatural direction of his ministry. From Azotus, Philip continued his preaching ministry northward along the coastal plain, through various towns, until he reached Caesarea, a major Roman administrative center. The inclusion of Azotus in this itinerary is noteworthy because it was a prominent coastal city and historically a stronghold of the Philistines, a people often in conflict with Israel. Its mention signifies the expansion of the gospel beyond strictly Jewish territories into areas with a long history of paganism, demonstrating the universal reach of the Christian message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to G108 is its Hebrew antecedent, `{{H795}}` (Ashdod). Understanding Ashdod's Old Testament history is crucial for appreciating the significance of Azotus in the New Testament:
* **Old Testament Ashdod:** Ashdod was one of the five major Philistine cities (along with Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron). It is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a formidable city and a center of Philistine power and idolatry.
* [[Joshua 11:22]] notes that some Anakim, a race of giants, remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod after the Israelite conquest.
* Most famously, Ashdod was the place where the Philistines brought the captured Ark of the Covenant, only for the idol of Dagon to fall repeatedly before it, demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh over pagan deities ([[1 Samuel 5:1-7]]). This event underscores the city's historical association with idolatry and its defeat by divine power.
* King Uzziah of Judah later broke down the wall of Ashdod ([[2 Chronicles 26:6]]).
* During the post-exilic period, Nehemiah chastised the Jews for intermarrying with people from Ashdod, whose children spoke the "language of Ashdod" ([[Nehemiah 13:23-24]]), indicating cultural assimilation and the ongoing presence of this distinct people group.
* Prophets like Amos ([[Amos 1:8]]) and Zechariah ([[Zechariah 9:6]]) pronounced judgments against Ashdod, foretelling its destruction or transformation.
* **Geographical and Historical Context:** Azotus/Ashdod was located on the Mediterranean coast, an important trade route. Its inclusion in Philip's journey connects the gospel's spread to key strategic and historically significant locations.
* **Thematic Connections:** The movement of the gospel into Azotus can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophetic trajectory, where former centers of paganism are now reached by the message of salvation. It also relates to the broader theme in Acts of the gospel expanding geographically from Jerusalem to the "ends of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G108 (Ázōtos) lies primarily in its role within the narrative of the early church's expansion and its historical continuity with Old Testament events.
1. **Continuity of Divine Sovereignty:** Azotus, as the Greek name for Ashdod, bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments. The very city where the pagan god Dagon fell prostrate before the Ark of the Covenant now becomes a place where the true God's message is proclaimed by His Spirit-empowered messenger. This demonstrates God's consistent sovereignty over all nations and deities, extending His redemptive plan across historical epochs.
2. **Geographic Expansion of the Gospel:** Philip's presence in Azotus symbolizes the Spirit-led expansion of the gospel beyond the traditional boundaries of Judea and Samaria. It represents an early step in reaching the Gentile world, particularly coastal cities that were hubs of trade and diverse populations. This movement aligns with the Great Commission's mandate to preach to all nations.
3. **Divine Guidance in Mission:** The miraculous transportation of Philip to Azotus underscores the divine initiative and oversight in the missionary enterprise. It highlights that the spread of the gospel is not merely a human endeavor but is orchestrated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, ensuring its strategic and effective dissemination.
4. **Transformation of Territory:** Historically a center of Philistine idolatry and a symbol of opposition to Israel, Azotus in the New Testament becomes a conduit for the good news. This transformation reflects the redemptive power of the gospel to reclaim and sanctify even those territories once steeped in paganism, turning them into pathways for God's kingdom.
### Summary
G108 (Ázōtos) is the Greek name for the ancient Philistine city of Ashdod, a place of considerable historical and strategic importance in the Old Testament. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Acts 8:40]] marks a crucial point in Philip the evangelist's Spirit-directed missionary journey. Theologically, Azotus serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing divine sovereignty, connecting the Old Testament narrative of God's triumph over paganism (e.g., Dagon in [[1 Samuel 5]]) with the New Testament's account of the gospel's expansive reach. Its inclusion in Philip's itinerary underscores the Spirit-led geographical expansion of the early church into historically resistant or Gentile territories, demonstrating God's overarching plan to bring salvation to all peoples.
TRV