Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
ZO'RAH, and ZORE'AH (hornets' town), and ZA'REAH, Neh 11:29, a town in the low-country of Judah; afterward assigned to Dan, Josh 15:33; Josh 19:41; the birthplace and burial place of Samson. Jud 13:2, Gal 4:25; Jud 16:31. From Zorah the Danites sent spies to search the land for a place of inheritance. Jud 18:2. Zorah was fortified by Rehoboam, 2 Chr 11:10, and inhabited after the return from captivity. Neh 11:29. The place still exists as Surah, 13 miles west of Jerusalem, 23 miles southeast of Joppa, and 2 miles north of Bethshemesh.
It is situated on the crest of a hill, 1150 feet above the sea. It overlooks the valley of Sorek. Timnah stands some 2 or 3 miles to the southwest, across the valley.