Ashdod or Azotus means in the bible: Arabic Esdud is the seat for Dagon 1 Sam worship. 5:1-9. Although allotted Judah Josh. 15:46-47, and sometimes held by the kings Judah 2 Ch. It remained Neh. a Philistine town 26:6 4:7; Amos 1:8. It ran on the main route between Egypt and Phoenicia. See Philistines.
(in Bible Dictionary)