Ashdod, Azotus

Definition

Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa.

• The temple of the Philistine’s false god Dagon was located in Ashdod.
• God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod.
• The Greek name for this city was Azotus. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Joppa, Philip, Philistines)

Bible References

• 1 Samuel 5:1-3
• Acts 8:40
• Amos 1:8
• Joshua 15:45-47
• Zechariah 9:6

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0795, G01080