Bible Dictionary

Eshtemoa

The name Eshtemoa means “the bosom of a woman”.

Easton's Bible Dictionary 1897

Obedience, a town in the mountains of Judah (Josh. 21:14; 1 Chr. 6:57), which was allotted, with the land round it, to the priests. It was frequented by David and his followers during their wanderings; and he sent presents of the spoil of the Amalekites to his friends there (1 Sam. 30:28). It is identified with es-Semu’a, a village about 3 1/2 miles east of Socoh, and 7 or 8 miles south of Hebron, around which there are ancient remains of the ruined city. It is the centre of the “south country” or Negeb. It is also called “Eshtemoh” (Josh. 15:50).

Smith's Bible Dictionary 1863

and in shorter form Eshtemoh (obedience), a town of Judah in the mountains, (Joshua 15:50) allotted to the priest. (Joshua 21:14; 1 Chronicles 6:57) It was one of the places frequented by David and his followers during the long period of their wanderings. (1 Samuel 30:28) comp. 1Sam 30:31 Its site is at Semu’a , a village seven miles south of Hebron.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia 1915

esh-te-mo'-a, esh'-te-mo-a ('eshtemoa`):

A Levitical city in the hill country of Judah (Jos 21:14; 1Ch 6:57); Eshtemoh ('eshtemoh, Jos 15:50). In 1ch 4:17,19, Eshtemoa is said to be a Maacathite and "son" of Ishbah. David after routing the Amalekites sent a present to his friends in (among other places) Eshtemoa (1Sa 30:28).

It is now es-Semu`a, a considerable village of evident antiquity some 8 miles South of Hebron.