Ekron, or Accaron
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(in the Russian Bible sometimes Ashkelon [as given]) (uprooting) (Josh. 13:3; 15:11; Judg. 1:18; 1 Sam. 6:16) — a Philistine region and city, originally belonging to the tribe of Judah, then to Dan. The ancient inhabitants of Ekron, the Philistines, held it for a long time, and it was afterward taken by Judah. The fall of the city, once one of the richest of the Philistine cities, was foretold by the prophets Zephaniah (2:4) and Zechariah (9:5–7). From here the Ark of the Covenant was sent on the road toward Beth-shemesh.
Holy Scripture indicates that it remained under Philistine rule even in the days of David (1 Sam. 17:52), Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 6), Uzziah (Amos 1:8), and Josiah (Jer. 25:20). In the days of the prophet Elijah the chief pagan deity of Ekron was Beelzebub (god of flies). This city is mentioned in the First Book of Maccabees (10:89), and it still existed in the time of Eusebius. It is often mentioned also in the accounts of the Crusades. At present a small village, Akir, is scattered over the site of Ekron, and heaps of ruins can still be seen among the plowed fields of what was once a famous city. This place lies about an hour and a half’s journey south of Ramla, and east, between Ashdod and Jamnia.