The modern Esdud, seat of the worship of Dagon (1 Sam 5: 1 ff.). Though allotted to Judah (Josh. 15: 46-47) and occasionally held by kings of Judah (2 Chr. 26: 6), it remained a Philistine city (Amos 1: 8; Neh. 4: 7). It was on the main route from Egypt to Phoenicia, midway between Gaza and Joppa.