A city of the priests in Judah, Jos 15:50; 21:14; 1Sa 30:28; traced by Robinson in the modern village Semua, south of Hebron.

obedience, a town in the mountains of Judah (Jos 21:14; 1Ch 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 (1Sa 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" (Jos 15:50).

Eshtemoh (Jos 15:50). Allotted with its suburbs to the priests (Jos 21:14; 1Ch 6:57; compare 1Ch 4:17). Frequented by David during his wanderings. Accordingly, to his friends there he sent presents of the Amalekite spoil (1Sa 30:28,31). Now Semu'a, seven miles S. of Hebron. Eshtemoa was son of Ishbah; Mered was husband of Jehudijah (the Jewess), by whose descendants, Gedor, Socho, and Zanoah, near Eshtemoa, were founded. The town Eshtemoa was founded by the descendants of Bithiah, Pharaoh's daughter, the Egyptian wife of Mered. (See BITHIAH.) A large stone (Hajr-el-Sakhain) stands on the N. road to the village Semu'a at a distance of 3,000 cubits, the Levitical extent of suburbs and the boundary of the village possessions to this day (Palestine Exploration). How the Holy Land confirms the Holy Book!

In the tribe of Judah (Jos 15:50

Eshtemo'a, Eshtemoh. Eshtemoh'

1. City in the mountains of Judah, given to the Priests. Jos 15:50; 21:14; 1Sa 30:28; 1Ch 6:57. Identified with es Semua, 31 24' N, 35 4' E.

2. Son of Ishbah, of the tribe of Judah. 1Ch 4:17.

3. The Maachathite. 1Ch 4:19.

Eshtem'o-a,

and in shorter form Eshtemoh (obedience), a town of Judah in the mountains,

Jos 15:50

allotted to the priest.

Jos 21:14; 1Ch 6:57

It was one of the places frequented by David and his followers during the long period of their wanderings.

1Sa 30:28

comp. 1Sam 30:31 Its site is at Semu'a, a village seven miles south of Hebron.