And in the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though these cities were assigned to Judah, the verse subtly hints that some of them, like Eshtaol and Zorah, would later become part of the tribe of Dan's territory. This shows how God's plans for His people's land could shift and be reordered over time.
And in the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage lists cities in the fertile lowland region, the Shephelah, which formed the western part of Judah's inheritance. These cities, including Eshtaol and Zoreah, were located in the northeastern portion of this plain. Interestingly, some of these places would later be assigned to the tribe of Dan and are known as the homeland of Samson.
Joshua 15 lists city after city, not just as places on a map, but as inheritances given by God. What does this tell us about God's provision?
This verse places us in the 'valley,' which refers to the Shephelah, a fertile lowland region west of the Judean mountains. This area was known for its agricultural richness and strategic importance.
God's Generous Inheritance
Eshtaol and Zorah might just sound like names on a list, but they're forever linked to one of Israel's most famous – and flawed – heroes. What does this connection reveal?
While Joshua 15 assigns these cities to Judah, later passages show them becoming significant places for the tribe of Dan and, most notably, the home of Samson.
The Sands of Time and Shifting Borders
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Understand the original words
shephelah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the flat, fertile coastal plain situated between the central Judean mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, often functioning as a strategic buffer zone and agricultural region. In the Bible, it is frequently associated with border disputes and control between Israel and the Philistines.
This list of cities in the fertile lowland, the Shephelah, grounds the tribe of Judah's inheritance in a specific geographical reality, highlighting cities that would later be associated with key figures like Samson and play roles in later national events.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israel Conquers Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River and began a military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan. This marked the beginning of their settlement in the Promised Land.
c. 1370 BC
Land Allotment to Tribes
After the conquest, the land was systematically divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, with detailed boundaries described. This verse is part of the specific description of the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah.
c. 1170 BC - 1050 BC
Period of the Judges
This era saw intermittent periods of oppression by surrounding nations and deliverance through charismatic leaders called Judges. The cities of Eshtaol and Zorah in Judah's territory later became significant during the life of Samson, a prominent judge.
c. 1050 BC
Rise of the Monarchy
The period of the Judges concluded with the establishment of a monarchy, with Saul, then David, as kings. The cities in the region of Judah, including those mentioned here, became part of the united kingdom.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. The cities listed in Joshua 15 remained within the territory of Judah.
701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria campaigned against Judah, capturing many of its fortified cities, though Jerusalem itself was miraculously spared. This event significantly impacted the region and its inhabitants.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, and exiled much of the population. Although the primary focus of the exile was Jerusalem, the surrounding cities were also affected.
This passage directly connects Eshtaol and Zorah to the family of Samson, highlighting their significance in the lives of key Israelite figures.
Joshua 19:41This verse shows how these cities, initially allotted to Judah, were later assigned to the tribe of Dan, illustrating the shifting boundaries and allocations within the Promised Land.
Nehemiah 11:29This shows the re-occupation of these towns by the Jewish people after their exile, demonstrating their continued importance through different historical periods.
1 Samuel 17:52This verse places Azekah (often associated with this region or nearby) in the context of the famous battle between David and Goliath, linking the lowland cities to pivotal moments in Israel's history.
calvinJoshua 15:14-63: "And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
- And it came to pass as she came unto him, etc Although we may conjecture that the damsel Acsa was of excellent morals and well brought up, as marriage with her had been held forth as the special reward [149] of victory, yet perverse cupidity on her part is here disclosed. She knew that by the divine law women were specially excluded from hereditary lands, but she neverthe…
gillJoshua 15:33: "And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,"
And in the valley,.... In Joshua 15:33 are enumerated the several cities belonging to the tribe of Judah which lay in the valley. Jerom (f) says, that now all the plain and champaign country near Eleutheropolis, which verges to the north and west, is called "Sephela", or the valley: Eshtaol; the two first of these seem to be given afterwards to the tribe of Dan, Joshua 19:41; between these two places Samson was born and buried,…
Even though these cities were assigned to Judah, the verse subtly hints that some of them, like Eshtaol and Zorah, would later become part of the tribe of Dan's territory. This shows how God's plans for His people's land could shift and be reordered over time.
This passage lists cities in the fertile lowland region, the Shephelah, which formed the western part of Judah's inheritance. These cities, including Eshtaol and Zoreah, were located in the northeastern portion of this plain. Interestingly, some of these places would later be assigned to the tribe of Dan and are known as the homeland of Samson.
This passage lists cities in the fertile lowland region, the Shephelah, which formed the western part of Judah's inheritance. These cities, including Eshtaol and Zoreah, were located in the northeastern portion of this plain. Interestingly, some of these places would later be assigned to the tribe of Dan and are known as the homeland of Samson.
"And in the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah," — Even though these cities were assigned to Judah, the verse subtly hints that some of them, like Eshtaol and Zorah, would later become part of the tribe of Dan's territory. This shows how God's plans…
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Last reviewed October 2026