### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEshtâʼôl**, represented by `{{H847}}`, designates a specific place in Palestine. Derived from a root meaning "intreaty," this location appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. It is consistently portrayed as a town situated in the lowlands, significant to the history of the tribes of Judah and Dan, particularly during the time of the Judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H847}}` is primarily defined by its geographical and tribal associations, often mentioned alongside its neighboring town, Zorah `{{H6881}}`. It was first listed as a city in the valley `{{H8219}}` territory allotted to Judah [[Joshua 15:33]] and also as part of the **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` for the tribe of Dan [[Joshua 19:41]]. The location serves as a critical backdrop for the story of Samson, as the Spirit `{{H7307}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` first began to move him between Zorah and **Eshtaol** [[Judges 13:25]]. Later, it became the place where his brethren `{{H251}}` buried him [[Judges 16:31]]. The town also functioned as a staging ground for the Danites, who sent men from **Eshtaol** to spy out `{{H7270}}` new land [[Judges 18:2]] and later departed from there to seek a new home [[Judges 18:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and importance of **Eshtaol**:
* `{{H6881}}` **Tsorʻâh** (Zorah): A place in Palestine almost always named in conjunction with **Eshtaol**. This pairing establishes a distinct geographical region central to the activities of the Danites and the life of Samson ([[Judges 13:25]], [[Judges 16:31]]).
* `{{H1839}}` **Dânîy** (Danites): The descendants of Dan, for whom **Eshtaol** was an early settlement. The narratives show the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Danites** `{{H1839}}` using the town as a base before their northward migration [[Judges 18:11]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (inheritance): This term establishes **Eshtaol** as part of the covenantal land allotment for the tribes of Israel. Its inclusion in the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of Dan's **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` gives the location legal and spiritual significance [[Joshua 19:41]].
* `{{H4495}}` **Mânôwach** (Manoah): The father of Samson. The **buryingplace** `{{H6913}}` of **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` being located between Zorah and **Eshtaol** marks the site as the final resting place for this notable Danite family [[Judges 16:31]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H847}}` is rooted in its role as a geographical anchor for key narrative events:
* **Territorial Inheritance:** As a town listed in the tribal allotments for both Judah and Dan, **Eshtaol** underscores the theme of God's division of the promised **land** `{{H776}}` among the children `{{H1121}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` ([[Joshua 15:33]], [[Joshua 19:41]]).
* **A Site of Divine Stirring:** The area between Zorah and **Eshtaol** is uniquely identified as the place where the Spirit of the LORD first began to empower Samson, marking it as a location of divine initiation [[Judges 13:25]].
* **A Point of Departure and Expansion:** For the tribe of Dan, **Eshtaol** represents a point of origin. It was from here that they sent out men of **valour** `{{H2428}}` to **search** `{{H2713}}` for new territory, leading to their eventual resettlement ([[Judges 18:2]], [[Judges 18:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H847}}` is far more than a simple place name. It is a landmark of tribal identity, divine action, and narrative fulfillment within the Old Testament. Intrinsically linked with Zorah, the tribe of Dan, and the life of Samson, **Eshtaol** serves as the setting for the beginning of Samson's divine calling and his final burial, as well as the launching point for the Danite migration. Its presence in Scripture provides a specific geographical context for understanding inheritance, conflict, and destiny in the history of ancient Israel.
TRV