Eshtemoa
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, identified with the modern village of es-Samu'a.
What is the meaning of Eshtemoa in the Bible?
Eshtemoh was a Levitical city in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in Jos 21:14 and 1Ch 6:57. It is now known as es-Samu'a, a village south of Hebron.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Eshtemoh helps readers visualize the territorial distribution of Levitical settlements in ancient Judah and understand the geographical context of the priestly clans mentioned in the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Eshtemoa (located near modern es-Samu'a) 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 Eshtemoa in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Eshtemoa clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Eshtemoa." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/eshtemoa/