Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Narrow pass or recess, a town (Josh. 15:33) in the low country, the She-phelah of Judah. It was allotted to the tribe of Dan (Josh. 19:41), and was one of their strongholds. Here Samson spent his boyhood, and first began to show his mighty strength; and here he was buried in the burying-place of Manoah his father (Judg. 13:25; 16:31; 18:2, 8, 11, 12). It is identified with the modern Yeshua, on a hill 2 miles east of Zorah. Others, however,
identify it with Kustul, east of Kirjath-jearim.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(a pass), a town in the low country—the Shefelah—of Judah, after wards allotted to Dan. (Joshua 15:33; 19:41) Here Samson spent his boyhood, and hither after his last exploit his body was brought. (Judges 13:25; 16:31; 18:2,8,11,12)
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
ESH'TAOL (recess, or hollow way), a town in the lowlands of Judah, Josh 15:33; given to Dan 19:41. It was the region of Samson's boyhood and burial. Jud 13:25; Jud 16:31. The Danites went out from thence. Jud 18:2-11. Robinson and others suggest Yeshua as its site; Black proposes Eshu'a, 1 mile east of Sura (Zoreah); and Grove proposes Kustul, east of Kuryet-el-Enab.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
a strong woman