By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Having served as a southern seaport of the Holy Land for centuries, Ashkelon is truly a city of history. Indeed, excavations of Ashkelon have unearthed some remarkable findings. Perhaps the most striking was the discovery of a bronze and silver calf the scholars have dated to over 3,500 years ago. Bible students recall it was about that time the bible records.
“When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain” [Exodus 32:19].
The magnificent beaches of Ashkelon were the ideal setting for Samson?s seduction by beautiful Philistine woman, Delilah. Later, David heard of the death of King Saul mourned greatly saying, “Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice” [2 Samuel 1:20].
Ashkelon reached its zenith as a major city under Herod?s rule in the Roman era, when its wines were exported throughout the Empire. Once again, during the Crusades, Ashkelon?s strategic importance played a key role in the Kingdom established by such figures as Richard the Lion Hearted.
By the 20th century, however, Ashkelon had become a dusty little village and after the Israel War of Independence (1948) its regrowth began. Today Ashkelon is a bustling resort, home of one of the most popular marinas in the eastern Mediterranean.
© Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
