### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ**, represented by `{{H851}}`, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. It is also found with the alternate spelling **Eshtemoh**. The name is derived from a word meaning obedience. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in scripture, identifying it as both a specific location and a genealogical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H851}}` is primarily identified as a city within the territory of Judah. It is listed among the towns given to the sons of Aaron the priest, along with its suburbs ([[Joshua 21:14]], [[1 Chronicles 6:57]]). This designates it as a Levitical city. The town is also mentioned in the context of David's life; after his victory over the Amalekites, David sent a portion of the spoils to the elders in Eshtemoa, among other cities [[1 Samuel 30:28]]. Genealogically, the name is used to trace lineage, with individuals like Ishbah being called "the father of Eshtemoa" [[1 Chronicles 4:17]] and the name appearing in a list of sons as "Eshtemoa the Maachathite" [[1 Chronicles 4:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Eshtemoa:
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This word, used twice in relation to Eshtemoa, describes the open pasture lands surrounding the city that were given to the Levites for their flocks ([[Joshua 21:14]], [[1 Chronicles 6:57]]).
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aaron): Eshtemoa was designated as a city for the sons of Aaron, connecting the location directly to the priestly line of Israel [[1 Chronicles 6:57]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): This term is used to establish a patriarchal link to the town, identifying individuals as the founders or progenitors of the people of Eshtemoa ([[1 Chronicles 4:17]], [[1 Chronicles 4:19]]).
* `{{H4602}}` **Maʻăkâthîy** (Maachathite): This patrial name connects a descendant named Eshtemoa to a specific clan or inhabitant of Maakah, embedding the name within a broader tribal network [[1 Chronicles 4:19]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H851}}` is rooted in its specific roles within Israel's history and structure.
* **Priestly Inheritance:** As a city given to the sons of Aaron, Eshtemoa was part of the sacred inheritance set aside for the priestly tribe, which had no territorial allotment of its own [[1 Chronicles 6:57]].
* **Genealogical Landmark:** The name serves as a key marker in the genealogies of Judah, anchoring family lines to a specific place. It is used to identify both the descendants of Ezra and the sons of Hodiah's wife ([[1 Chronicles 4:17]], [[1 Chronicles 4:19]]).
* **Political Alliance:** By receiving spoils from David, Eshtemoa is shown to be a location of strategic importance and loyalty during the formative years of David's kingdom [[1 Samuel 30:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H851}}` is more than just a name on a map. It represents a key location in the life of ancient Israel, functioning as a Levitical city dedicated to the priests, a reference point in the complex genealogies of the tribe of Judah, and a recognized town of political significance. The name Eshtemoa illustrates how places were deeply intertwined with the sacred duties, family histories, and political landscape of the biblical world.