### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAshqᵉlôwn**, represented by `{{H831}}`, refers to a place in Palestine, with its name probably meaning a weighing-place or mart. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. As a prominent city of the Philistines, Ashkelon is consistently mentioned alongside other major Philistine centers and plays a significant role in narratives of conflict, judgment, and prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H831}}` is primarily identified as a key city of the Philistines `{{H6430}}`, often listed with Gaza, Ashdod, and Ekron [[Jeremiah 25:20]]. Its history is marked by conflict and divine judgment. Samson's personal vendetta led him to **Ashkelon**, where he slew thirty men and took their spoil [[Judges 14:19]]. Later, when the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant, they sent a trespass offering that included one golden emerod for **Askelon** [[1 Samuel 6:17]]. The prophets frequently single out **Ashkelon** for destruction, declaring it will become a desolation [[Zephaniah 2:4]], be cut off [[Jeremiah 47:5]], and its people will perish [[Amos 1:8]]. However, its story culminates in a promise of restoration for God's people, with the prophet Zephaniah declaring that the remnant of Judah will lie down in the houses of **Ashkelon** [[Zephaniah 2:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for understanding the role of Ashkelon:
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This term identifies the inhabitants of Ashkelon. The city is consistently portrayed as a center of Philistine power and opposition to Israel. This is evident in David's lament, where he mourns that the "daughters of the **Philistines**" might rejoice over Saul's death in the streets of Askelon [[2 Samuel 1:20]].
* `{{H5804}}` **ʻAzzâh** (Gaza): This neighboring Philistine city is almost always mentioned in tandem with Ashkelon in prophecies of judgment. The two cities are destined to share a similar fate, with Gaza being forsaken and Ashkelon becoming a desolation [[Zephaniah 2:4]].
* `{{H7611}}` **shᵉʼêrîyth** (remnant): This word is central to Ashkelon's prophetic destiny. It is used to describe the **remnant** of the Philistines who will perish [[Amos 1:8]] and the **remnant** of Judah who will inherit and possess the coast, including the houses of Ashkelon [[Zephaniah 2:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H831}}` is demonstrated through its representative role in Scripture.
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** Ashkelon stands as a symbol of a powerful gentile nation subject to the sovereign judgment of God. The LORD gives a charge against **Ashkelon** [[Jeremiah 47:7]], and its prophesied desolation [[Zephaniah 2:4]] illustrates that no earthly kingdom is outside His authority.
* **Symbol of Opposition to God's People:** As a stronghold of the Philistines, Ashkelon represents the forces that oppose Israel. David's plea to not "publish it...in the streets of **Askelon**" shows the city as a place where enemies would rejoice over the downfall of God's anointed [[2 Samuel 1:20]].
* **Promise of Future Inheritance:** The narrative arc of Ashkelon concludes with a powerful theme of redemption and restoration for God's covenant people. The promise that the remnant of Judah will possess the houses of **Ashkelon** signifies God's faithfulness in turning the strongholds of His enemies into a place of rest for His own [[Zephaniah 2:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H831}}` **ʼAshqᵉlôwn** is far more than a historical location. It serves as a key representative of the Philistine nation, embodying gentile opposition to Israel. Through prophecies of its downfall, it illustrates God's sovereignty and judgment over all nations. Ultimately, its story is woven into God's redemptive plan, transitioning from an enemy stronghold to a prophesied desolation, and finally to a promised inheritance for the remnant of Judah, demonstrating God's power to reclaim and restore.
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