### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAshdôwdîy**, represented by `{{H796}}`, is a patrial term identifying an **inhabitant of Asdod**, or an Ashdodite. It is derived from the name of the city, Ashdod `{{H795}}`. This term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, often referring to the people collectively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Ashdodites** `{{H796}}` are consistently portrayed as adversaries of Israel. They are listed as one of the **five** `{{H2568}}` **lords** `{{H5633}}` of the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` in the territory counted to the Canaanites [[Joshua 13:3]]. During the time of the Ark of the Covenant's capture, the **Ashdodites** witnessed the power of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` when their idol, **Dagon** `{{H1712}}`, was **fallen** `{{H5307}}` on its face before the **ark** `{{H727}}` [[1 Samuel 5:3]]. Subsequently, the Lord's **hand** `{{H3027}}` was **heavy** `{{H3513}}` upon them, and He **smote** `{{H5221}}` them with **emerods** `{{H2914}}` [[1 Samuel 5:6]]. Centuries later, they joined **Sanballat** `{{H5571}}` and **Tobiah** `{{H2900}}` in opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's **walls** `{{H2346}}` [[Nehemiah 4:7]], and Nehemiah noted with concern that **Jews** `{{H3064}}` had **married** `{{H3427}}` **wives** `{{H802}}` of Ashdod [[Nehemiah 13:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the identity and role of the Ashdodites:
* `{{H795}}` **ʼAshdôwd** (ravager; Ashdod, a place in Palestine): This is the city from which the Ashdodites originate. The judgment of emerods came upon the people of Ashdod as well as the city and its **coasts** `{{H1366}}` [[1 Samuel 5:6]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): This identifies the larger nation to which the Ashdodites belonged. They were one of the **five** `{{H2568}}` ruling groups of the Philistines [[Joshua 13:3]].
* `{{H5633}}` **çeren** (an axle; figuratively, a peer; lord, plate): This title refers to the rulers of the Philistine cities. The Ashdodites were governed by one of these **lords** [[Joshua 13:3]].
* `{{H1712}}` **Dâgôwn** (the fish-god; Dagon, a Philistine deity): This was the primary god worshipped by the people **of Ashdod** `{{H796}}`, whose powerlessness was demonstrated when the idol fell before the ark of the LORD [[1 Samuel 5:3]].
### Theological Significance
The role of the **Ashdodites** `{{H796}}` highlights several recurring themes in the Old Testament.
* **Persistent Adversaries:** From the era of Joshua to the time of Nehemiah, the Ashdodites are shown as a source of conflict and opposition to God's people. They are part of the Philistine power structure [[Joshua 13:3]] and later ally with other enemies to hinder the restoration of **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` [[Nehemiah 4:7]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The encounter between the Ashdodites and the Ark of the Covenant serves to demonstrate the supremacy of the God of Israel. Their deity, **Dagon** `{{H1712}}`, is humiliated [[1 Samuel 5:3]], and the people are struck with plagues, showing the Lord's judgment [[1 Samuel 5:6]].
* **Threat to Covenant Purity:** The Ashdodites also posed a threat to Israel's spiritual integrity through intermarriage. Nehemiah's rebuke of **Jews** `{{H3064}}` who had married **wives** `{{H802}}` from Ashdod underscores the danger of assimilation with foreign peoples [[Nehemiah 13:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAshdôwdîy** `{{H796}}` is more than a simple geographic identifier. It signifies a people group consistently positioned against Israel and its God. Whether through direct conflict, political opposition, or the subtle threat of intermarriage, the Ashdodites feature in the biblical account as a people who experience the judgment of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and whose false worship is exposed in the presence of His power.
TRV