Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities located along the southern coast of ancient Canaan. The other main Philistine cities were Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Ashkelon is mentioned over 50 times in the Bible and played an important role in biblical events.
The first mention of Ashkelon is in Joshua 13:3 which describes it as one of the remaining unconquered lands during the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. At this time, Ashkelon was a major Philistine stronghold. Later, in Judges 1:18, it is noted that the tribe of Judah captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron initially but could not drive out the inhabitants who had iron chariots.
In 1 Samuel 6, the captured Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ashkelon after being sent away on a cart by the Philistines. The men of Ashkelon were struck by tumors and death when the presence of the Ark caused the statue of their god Dagon to fall on its face. The Ark was then sent away to Gath.
One of the most famous battles involving Ashkelon was when King David defeated the Philistines at Baal-perazim as recorded in 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 14. The Philistines had assembled to battle Israel and brought their idols from Ashkelon. But David obeyed God and carried away the idols of Ashkelon after defeating the Philistines.
The prophets also pronounced judgments on Ashkelon for their sin and idolatry. Amos 1:8 declares: “I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,” says the Lord God.
Jeremiah 47 gives a prophecy against the Philistines, including all the inhabitants of Ashkelon. Zephaniah 2:4-7 also foretells the judgment of the Lord coming upon the land of the Philistines, including Ashkelon which would become pastures with wells for shepherds and folds for flocks.
The prophet Zecheriah foretold how the king of Gaza would perish, and Ashkelon would be cut off by the Lord (Zechariah 9:5). Ashkelon is also denounced as a place of pagan worship by the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:15-17).
In the intertestamental period, Ashkelon rose to prominence once again. It was taken by Jonathan Maccabeus during his campaigns against the Philistines as described in 1 Maccabees 10-11. Later, in 104 BC, the city was destroyed by Alexander Jannaeus after resisting the spread of Judaism and Jewish influence.
In the New Testament period, Ashkelon was rebuilt as a thriving coastal city. It was known as Ascalon during Roman times. An ancient road connected Ashkelon with Gaza and ports along the Mediterranean coast. According to some traditions, the road to Ashkelon was the place where Philip met and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch as recounted in Acts 8:26-40.
Ashkelon continued to be an important seaport through the Byzantine Christian era until it was captured by the Muslims in 638 AD. The Crusaders later built a fortress and walls around Ashkelon but struggled to maintain control over the coastal city as forces battled for dominance in the region.
Over its long history, Ashkelon persisted as a strategic Philistine stronghold, menacing outpost against Israel, center of pagan worship, thriving port city, and crusader battleground. Its role in key biblical events makes Ashkelon a historically and spiritually significant location mentioned throughout the Old Testament.
The prominence of Ashkelon demonstrates the stature and power held by the Philistines as one of Israel’s greatest enemies. God brought judgments upon Ashkelon because of the pagan practices and resistance to His purposes. But the testimony of prophets like Jeremiah was also meant to give the Philistines an opportunity to turn to the one true God.
While the Philistines presented a persistent obstacle early in Israel’s history, their presence and interactions with Israel were used by God in shaping His chosen nation. The kingdom of Israel under David rose in power after victory over the Philistines. And the witness of prophets was broadcast through pronouncements given in cities like Ashkelon.
Ashkelon’s influence waned following defeats by Babylon and Persia. But it remained a reminder of the pagan influences that both tested and taught ancient Israel. Its prominence scarred the landscape depicted in Scripture as a place of false gods. While providing a buffer between larger powers to the southwest, Ashkelon also served as a gateway between civilizations along the Mediterranean shore.
The military might and constructs of trade and false worship seen in Ashkelon could not prevent its eventual subjection under God’s plan. Its history and mention in the Bible stand as a representation of idolatry, conflict, judgment, and domination. This pagan city on the coastal edge of Canaan was intricately intertwined with God’s chosen people and spotlighted as an example during the foundational period of biblical history.
In addition to its inclusion across Old Testament prophetic pronouncements, Ashkelon factors prominently in the accounts of the early church. It was an ancient crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe. The gospel spread through port cities like Ashkelon to reach people groups across the Mediterranean world.
Ashkelon’s identity as an idolatrous Philistine city that was brought low, used by God, and later exposed to the gospel, paints it vividly as both a biblical battleground and mission field. From enemy stronghold to outpost of Christianity, Ashkelon’s changing roles provide a representation of the greater spiritual battle between pagan influences and God’s purposes in history.
Ashkelon teaches that idolatry and resistance to God’s plans may persist for a season, even holding power over His people. But the witness of Christ can transform any place into a lighthouse. Ashkelon stands as evidence that God ultimately prevails over any earthly force assembled against Him and His eternally advancing redemption.
Though partly destroyed by Arab conquests and the Crusades, Ashkelon was later rebuilt and inhabited by Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Excavations in modern times have uncovered ruins of ancient temples, houses, fortifications, and a Roman amphitheater.
Ashkelon continues to be a strategically important coastal city in Israel. It endures as a connection between civilizations and nexus of biblical history. Ashkelon’s impact lingers as a cornerstone location marked by prophetic pronouncements it its key role from Israel’s formative period through the early church.
The prominence and symbolism of Ashkelon echo across generations. Its influence spans seas and centuries as a representation of spiritual warfare, idolatry under judgment, and the hope of transformation through Christ. This ancient crossroads persists as a landmark city weathered by changing powers and beliefs. Ashkelon’s biblical significance endures as a testament to God’s faithfulness in working His purposes throughout history.