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Zorah

Zorah was a city in the territory of Dan in ancient Israel, notable as the hometown of Samson and a center of Danite activity during the judges period.

Overview

Zorah was a fortified city originally assigned to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:33) but later given to Dan (Joshua 19:41). It served as a military outpost under King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10) and was inhabited after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 11:29). The city is most remembered as the birthplace and home of Samson, the judge who delivered Israel from Philistine oppression.

Key Scriptures

"Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh" (Joshua 15:33, ESV) - listing Zorah among Judah's cities. "The family of the Danites... from Zorah and from Eshtaol" (Joshua 19:41, ESV) - showing Dan's territorial claim. "There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah... And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson" (Judges 13:2, 24, ESV) - identifying Zorah as Samson's home.

Application

Remember that God works through specific people and places in history to accomplish His redemptive purposes, and He can use ordinary cities and families to raise up extraordinary servants.

Scripture References 9
Full Topical Reference List 9 total — Nave's Topical Bible

A city of Dan or Judah

Fortified by Rehoboam

Populated after the captivity

Representatives of the tribe of Dan sent from, to spy out the land with a view to its conquest