Bible Dictionary
Eshtemoa
Eshtemoa, also called Eshtemoh, was a town in the hill country of Judah allotted to the priests. David and his followers had friends there during David’s years of wandering.
Definition
Eshtemoa, also called Eshtemoh, was a town in the hill country of Judah allotted to the priests. It was one of the places associated with David and his followers during their wanderings.
Biblical Usage
David sent presents from Amalekite spoil to friends at Eshtemoa. The town is included among the priestly or Levitical cities.
Historical Background
It is identified with es-Semu‘a, about seven or eight miles south of Hebron, a village with evident ancient remains and a center of the southern country or Negeb.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Obedience, a town in the mountains of Judah (Josh. 21:14; 1 Chr. 6:57), which was allotted, with the land round it, to the priests. It was frequented by David and his followers during their wanderings; and he sent presents of the spoil of the Amalekites to his friends there (1 Sam. 30:28). It is identified with es-Semu’a, a village about 3 1/2 miles east of Socoh, and 7 or 8 miles south of Hebron, around which there are ancient remains of the ruined city. It is the centre of the “south country” or Negeb. It is also called “Eshtemoh” (Josh. 15:50).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
and in shorter form Eshtemoh (obedience), a town of Judah in the mountains, (Joshua 15:50) allotted to the priest. (Joshua 21:14; 1 Chronicles 6:57) It was one of the places frequented by David and his followers during the long period of their wanderings. (1 Samuel 30:28) comp. 1Sam 30:31 Its site is at Semu’a, a village seven miles south of Hebron.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>esh-te-mo'-a, esh'-te-mo-a ('eshtemoa`):</p><p>A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah (Jos 21:14; 1Ch 6:57); Eshtemoh ('eshtemoh, Jos 15:50). In 1ch 4:17,19, Eshtemoa is said to be a Maacathite and "son" of Ishbah. David after routing the Amalekites sent a present to his friends in (among other places) Eshtemoa (1Sa 30:28).</p><p>It is now es-Semu`a, a considerable village of evident antiquity some 8 miles South of Hebron.</p>