The prophet’s word

At the time of the kings, Ashkelon is still one of the most important and busiest Philistine cities: “Do not announce it in Gat”, cried David when he learned of Saul’s death in a battle against the Philistines, “do not publicize it in the streets of Ashkelon lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.” (II Samuel 1: 20) The prophets, Jeremiah, Amos and Zephaniah heap their curses upon the city:

Gather yourselves together and summon your assembly, oh unfeeling nation, before the decree is brought forth, before the day comes when you pass away like chaff before the fierce anger of the Eternal is upon you, before the day of the Eternal’s anger is upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who have carried out his laws; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be protected on the day of the Eternal’s anger. Azza will be forsaken and Ashkelon will be devastated. Ashdod will be driven out in the middle of the day and Ekron will be uprooted.

Zephaniah 2: 1 – 4