Eshtemoa (Hebrew: אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ, meaning “obedience” or “I shall make myself heard”) is a name that refers to both a prominent figure in the genealogies of Judah and an important Levitical city in the hill country of Judea.
1. Eshtemoa the Person
In the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, Eshtemoa is identified as a descendant of Caleb (the faithful spy). He is specifically noted as being the son of Ishbah.
“And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.” (1 Chronicles 4:17, KJV)
The phrase “father of Eshtemoa” in this context likely means he was the founder or the chief re-settler of the city that bore his name. This was a common way for the chronicler to link families to the geographic locations they governed or established.
2. The City of Eshtemoa
The city of Eshtemoa (also called Eshtemoh) was located in the mountains of Judah. It has a rich history involving both the priesthood and the life of King David:
- A City for the Priests: When the land was divided among the tribes, Eshtemoa was designated as one of the cities given to the children of Aaron the priest. It served as a city of refuge and a residence for the Levites.”And they gave them… Eshtemoa with her suburbs,” (Joshua 21:14, KJV).
- David’s Gratitude: During the time David was a fugitive running from King Saul, the people of Eshtemoa showed him kindness and support. After David defeated the Amalekites who had raided Ziklag, he sent a portion of the spoil to his friends in Eshtemoa as a gift of thanks.”And to them which were in Eshtemoa, and to them which were in all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.” (1 Samuel 30:28, 31, KJV)
Archaeological Significance
The site is identified today as es-Samu, located about 9 miles south of Hebron. Archaeologists have discovered significant remains there, including:
- The Eshtemoa Hoard: In 1966, five Iron Age jugs were found containing a massive hoard of silver (about 60 pounds), some of which were marked with the word “five” in Phoenician-Hebrew script.
- Ancient Synagogue: The ruins of a large, magnificent 4th-century synagogue remain at the site, featuring a beautiful mosaic floor and a “Torah Shrine” wall, proving the area remained a center of Jewish life for centuries.