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Adullam

Locations
Modern Location Tell esh-Sheikh Madhkur, near Kiryat Gat, Israel
Coordinates 31.5167° N, 34.7333° E

Geographical Setting

Adullam was an ancient Canaanite city located in the Shephelah region, known for its strategic position and associated cave system.

What is the meaning of Adullam in the Bible?

Adullam was a fortified city in the Judean lowlands mentioned in biblical texts, associated with the tribes of Judah and Simeon, and noted in historical records for its role during the periods of Joshua's conquest, the monarchy under Rehoboam, the prophetic era of Micah, the post-exilic restoration under Nehemiah, and the narrative of David.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Adullam's geography as a defensible stronghold in the Shephelah clarifies why it served as a strategic refuge for David and a gathering point for marginalized individuals, providing context for the political and social dynamics described in the biblical narratives.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Adullam (located near modern Tell esh-Sheikh Madhkur, near Kiryat Gat, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Adullam in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Adullam clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Adullam." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adullam/
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