Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Stronghold, a Philistine city (Josh. 15:47), about midway between Gaza and Joppa, and 3 miles from the Mediterranean. It was one of the chief seats of the worship of Dagon (1 Sam. 5:5). It belonged to the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:47), but it never came into their actual possession. It was an important city, as it stood on the highroad from Egypt to Palestine, and hence was strongly fortified (2 Chr. 26:6; Isa. 20:1). Uzziah took it, but fifty
years after his death it was taken by the Assyrians (B.C. 758). According to Sargon’s record, it was captured by him in B.C. 711. The only reference to it in the New Testament, where it is called Azotus, is in the account of Philip’s return from Gaza (Acts 8:40). It is now called Eshdud.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
ASH'DOD {stronghold, castle), one of the five confederate cities of the Philistines, allotted to Judah, Josh 15:46, Josh 15:47; the chief seat of Dagon-worship. 1 Sam 5. It was 3 miles from the Mediterranean, and midway between Gaza and Joppa. The place is called Azotus in the New Testament. Acts 8:40. It is now a mean village called Esdud; near it are extensive ruins. History. — Built by the Anakim; not taken by Joshua, Josh 11:22; allotted to
Judah, Josh 15:47; taken by Uzziah, 2 Chr 26:6; by Tartan or Sargon, Isa 20:1; besieged by Psammetichus and destroyed by the Maccabees; given to Salome after Herod's death; Philip preached there, Acts 8:40; bishops of Azotus or Ashdod are noticed in later history; the city is now occupied by Mohammedans.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
effusion; inclination; theft