### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAshdôwd**, represented by `{{H795}}`, refers to a prominent city in Palestine. Its name is derived from a root meaning **ravager**. It appears **17 times** across **15 unique verses**, primarily as a major Philistine stronghold and a recurring subject of conflict and divine judgment in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical history, Ashdod `{{H795}}` is one of the main cities of the Philistines `{{H6430}}`, often listed alongside Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron [[Jeremiah 25:20]]. It was a site of persistent opposition to Israel, noted as one of the last places where the Anakims `{{H6062}}` remained [[Joshua 11:22]]. Ashdod plays a central role in the narrative of the Ark of God `{{H727}}`, which was brought there after being captured from Israel at Ebenezer `{{H72}}` [[1 Samuel 5:1]]. In response, the hand of the LORD `{{H3068}}` was heavy upon the people of Ashdod `{{H795}}`, striking them with emerods `{{H2914}}` [[1 Samuel 5:6]]. The city is also a focal point of prophecy, with prophets like Amos and Zephaniah foretelling its destruction and desolation ([[Amos 1:8]], [[Zephaniah 2:4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Ashdod `{{H795}}`:
* `{{H6430}}` **Pelishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): This identifies the people of Ashdod. The fate of the city is intrinsically linked to the fate of the Philistines, against whom God's judgment is often directed [[Amos 1:8]].
* `{{H1712}}` **Dâgôwn** (the fish-god; Dagon, a Philistine deity): This was the primary god worshipped in Ashdod. The power of the God of Israel was demonstrated when the idol of Dagon fell before the Ark of God [[1 Samuel 5:7]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): The presence of the Ark of God in Ashdod serves as the catalyst for divine judgment upon the city and its deity, showcasing God's sovereignty [[1 Samuel 5:1]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut (off, down or asunder)): This term is used prophetically to describe the judgment that will befall Ashdod and the Philistines, signifying their complete removal and the end of their pride [[Zechariah 9:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ashdod `{{H795}}` is demonstrated in several key themes:
* **The Supremacy of Yahweh:** The account of the Ark in Ashdod is a clear polemic against idolatry. The Philistine god, **Dagon** `{{H1712}}`, is powerless before the presence of the LORD, with its priests `{{H3548}}` avoiding the threshold `{{H4670}}` where their idol was broken [[1 Samuel 5:5]].
* **Divine Judgment on Opposition:** As a representative of the enemies of Israel, Ashdod is a frequent subject of divine judgment. God's hand `{{H3027}}` is **sore** `{{H7185}}` upon them [[1 Samuel 5:7]], and prophets declare that its inhabitants will be cut off [[Amos 1:8]] and driven out [[Zephaniah 2:4]].
* **Consequences of Pride:** The pride `{{H1347}}` of the Philistines is explicitly targeted for judgment, with Zechariah prophesying that a **bastard** `{{H4464}}`, or a mongrel people, would dwell in Ashdod as a sign of this humbling [[Zechariah 9:6]].
* **Conflict and Conquest:** Ashdod features in military conflicts, such as when Sargon `{{H5623}}` of Assyria `{{H804}}` fought against it and took it [[Isaiah 20:1]], and when King Uzziah broke down its wall `{{H2346}}` [[2 Chronicles 26:6]].
### Summary
In summary, Ashdod `{{H795}}` is far more than a name on a map. It functions as a symbol of entrenched Philistine opposition to God's people and a stage for demonstrating the supreme power of the God of Israel. The city's narrative arc, from a stronghold of the Anakim to the site of Dagon's humiliation and a target of prophetic doom, underscores themes of divine sovereignty, judgment against pride and idolatry, and the inevitable downfall of those who stand against the LORD.
TRV