What is…
Zorah

also known as: Zoreah, Zareah, Tsorah, and Tsar'a

Hebrew: צָרְעָה —transliteration: Tsorah —possible meaning: place of wasps —occurrences: 10

This is an ancient town in the low country of the Tribe of Judah (the Judean foothills), afterwards given to the Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41; Judges 18:2), probably the same as Zoreah (Joshua 15:33).

This was Samson’s birthplace (Judges 13:2, 25), and near it he found a grave (16:31).

It was situated on the crest of a hill overlooking the valley of Sorek, and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10).

It is noted on monuments in the fifteenth century BC as having been attacked by the Abiri or Hebrews.

The ruins of Zorah are at Tel Tsar'a in Israel. Samson’s Tomb is marked there.

Tel Tsar'a (Zorah) and Samson’s Tomb in Israel—satellite view

The Palestinian Arab village of Sar'a was apparently built on the ancient Canaanite’s site of Zorah.

More information

Article Version: June 21, 2024