Eshtemoa
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(obedience) (Josh. 15:50) — a city in the southern part of Judea, given to the sons of Aaron (21:14; 1 Chron. 6:57). David, during his wandering life, repeatedly visited this city (1 Sam. 30:28). Robinson and others suppose it to be the present city of es-Semua, situated on a low hill, two miles south of Hebron, and containing several notable ruins. The surrounding villages still preserve almost biblical ancient names, such as Anab, Socoh, and others. But in 1 Chronicles (4:17, 18) the head, or founder, of the population of this city is reckoned to be Ishbah, son of Mered, by his Egyptian wife.