Author: Ben Zion

To conclude our study of Ashdod, we will examine chapter 20 of Isaiah, which deals with a prophecy about Egypt, but opens with a puzzling mention of a military commander who was sent by Sargon, king of Assyria, to conquer Ashdod. Who was Sargon? Why is it important to mention the conquest of Ashdod here?…

Following the previous lecture, we will analyze the connection between two stories: The Ark: from capitivity in Philistine to freedom, and the Israelites: from slavery in Egypt to freedom. There are many linguistic and conceptual parallels and even the cows that held the Ark are described as singing the Song of the Sea (Shirat Hayam)!…

We will prove the claim that Ashdod is the central city of the Philistines and not Azza. We will explain why, geographically – situated on the International Highway and close to water sources. We will study in depth the story of the bringing of the Holy Ark to Ashdod, and we will offer an interesting…

The significance of Ashdod. Almost all references to Ashdod in the Tanach are negative. Unlike Yafo, which symbolizes a transition point between the holy and the unholy, Ashdod is almost always associated with foreigners and idolatry. We will see on the map the biblical Ashdod compared to the modern Ashdod, and we will explain why…