Zorah standard
birthplace of Samson (Jud 13:2,25); near here too he was buried (Jud 16:31); from here some Danites went to spy out the land (Jud 18:2,11).
Where is Zorah in the Bible?
Zorah was a town located in the Shephelah region, the low hills between the coastal plain and the Judean highlands in ancient Israel. Originally allotted to the tribe of Judah, the town later became associated with the tribe of Dan. Zorah is primarily known as the hometown of Samson, the famous judge and warrior whose birth, exploits, and burial are all connected to this location. The town appears in the books of Joshua, Judges, and Nehemiah as a significant settlement that was reinhabited after the Babylonian captivity and fortified during the reign of King Rehoboam.
In Scripture3 biblical books; 2 with study content
- Joshua
- Judges
- Nehemiah
Zorah
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)birthplace of Samson (Jud 13:2,25); near here too he was buried (Jud 16:31); from here some Danites went to spy out the land (Jud 18:2,11). In Jos 15:33 it is, with Eshtaol, allotted to Judah, and after the captivity it was reinhabited by the "children of Judah" (Ne 11:29, the King James Version "Zareah"). It was one of the cities fortified by Rehoboam (2Ch 11:10). It is probable that it is mentioned under the name Tsarkha along with Aialuna (Aijalon; 2Ch 11:10) in the Tell el-Amarna Letters(No. 265, Petrie) as attacked by the Khabiri.
It is the modern Sur`a, near the summit of a lofty hill on the north side of the Wady es-Surar (Vale of Sorek). The summit itself is occupied by the Mukam Nebi Samit, overhung by a lofty palm, and there are many remains of ancient tombs, cisterns, wine presses, etc., around. From here Eshu`a (Eshtaol), `Ain Shems (Beth-shemesh) and Tibnah (Timnah) are all visible. See PEF, III, 158, Sh XVII.
E. W. G. Masterman
zo'-rath-its (tsor`athi; Sarathaioi (1Ch 2:53, the King James Version "Zareathites"), Codex Vatic