Zorah - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ZORAH

zo'-ra (tsor`ah; Saraa):

A city on the border of Dan, between Eshtaol and Ir-shemesh (Joshua 19:41); the birthplace of Samson (Judges 13:2,25); near here too he was buried (Judges 16:31); from here some Danites went to spy out the land (Judges 18:2,11). In Joshua 15:33 it is, with Eshtaol, allotted to Judah, and after the captivity it was reinhabited by the "children of Judah" (Nehemiah 11:29, the King James Version "Zareah"). It was one of the cities fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10). It is probable that it is mentioned under the name Tsarkha along with Aialuna (Aijalon; 2 Chronicles 11:10) in the Tell el-Amarna Letters(No. 265, Petrie) as attacked by the Khabiri.

It is the modern Sur`a, near the summit of a lofty hill on the north side of the Wady es-Surar (Vale of Sorek). The summit itself is occupied by the Mukam Nebi Samit, overhung by a lofty palm, and there are many remains of ancient tombs, cisterns, wine presses, etc., around. From here Eshu`a (Eshtaol), `Ain Shems (Beth-shemesh) and Tibnah (Timnah) are all visible. See PEF, III, 158, Sh XVII.

E. W. G. Masterman

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'ZORAH'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.