the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Eshcol
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or Esh´col (a cluster), one of the Amoritish chiefs with whom Abraham was in alliance when his camp was near Hebron, and who joined with him in the pursuit of Chedorlaomer and his allies, for the rescue of Lot (; ).
Eshcol, 2
The name of the valley in which the Hebrew spies obtained the fine cluster of grapes which they took back with them, borne 'on a staff between two,' as a specimen of the fruits of the Promised Land (). The cluster was doubtless large; but the fact that it was carried in this manner does not, as usually understood, imply that the bunch was as much as two men could carry, seeing that it was probably so carried to prevent its being bruised in the journey. The valley of Eshcol probably took its name from the distinguished Amorite already mentioned, and is hence to be sought in the neighborhood of Hebron. Accordingly the valley through which lies the commencement of the road from Hebron to Jerusalem is indicated as that of Eshcol. This valley is now full of vineyards and olive-yards; the former chiefly in the valley itself, the latter up the sides of the enclosing hills. 'These vineyards are still very fine, and produce the finest and largest grapes in all the country.'
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Eshcol'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/e/eshcol.html.
