# Ashdod ## Synonyms and Related Words: Azotus ## Facts: Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa. * The temple of the Philistine's false god Dagon was located in Ashdod. * God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod. * The Greek name for this city was Azotus. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel. (Translation suggestions: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]]) (See also: [Ekron](../names/ekron.md), [Gath](../names/gath.md), [Gaza](../names/gaza.md), [Joppa](../names/joppa.md), [Philip](../names/philip.md), [Philistines](../names/philistines.md)) ## Bible References: * [1 Samuel 05:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/05/01) * [Acts 08:40](rc://en/tn/help/act/08/40) * [Amos 01:8](rc://en/tn/help/amo/01/08) * [Joshua 15:45-47](rc://en/tn/help/jos/15/45) * [Zechariah 09:06](rc://en/tn/help/zec/09/06) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H795, G108 ## Forms Found in the English ULB: Ashdod, Azotus