Lexical Summary Yoqdeam: Jokdeam Original Word: יָקְדְעָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jokdeam From yaqad and am; burning of (the) people; Jokdeam, a place in Palestine -- Jokdeam. see HEBREW yaqad see HEBREW am NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yaqad and am Definition a city in Judah NASB Translation Jokdeam (1). Topical Lexicon Entry Overview Jokdeam appears once in Scripture, within the territorial roster of Judah (Joshua 15:56). Though the biblical record supplies no narrative events tied to the town, its inclusion serves larger theological, historical, and pastoral purposes. Geographical and Tribal Setting Jokdeam is grouped with Zanoah and Kain in the hill country of southern Judah, a rugged district stretching toward the Negev. The listing places it south-southwest of Hebron, near the natural highway descending to the Arabah. This frontier context suggests the town functioned as a sentinel between Judah and Edom, protecting Judean shepherds and farmers from desert incursions. Historical Significance in the Conquest and Allotment Joshua 15 catalogs the inheritance of Judah following Israel’s entry into Canaan. The verse reads, “Jokdeam, Zanoah, Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah—ten cities with their villages” (Joshua 15:56). Each named location testifies that the Lord’s promise to Abraham had become concrete real estate for his descendants (Genesis 17:8). Jokdeam’s appearance among the “ten cities” showcases how thoroughly the conquest advanced; every hilltop and valley—no matter how obscure—was brought under covenant rule. Covenantal Theology and Canonical Function 1. Preservation of Promise: The mere citation of Jokdeam confirms the land grant to Judah was specific and complete, anchoring Israel’s national identity in fulfilled prophecy. Ministry and Devotional Applications • Value of the Unnoticed: Jokdeam never hosts a miracle, judge, or prophet, yet its inclusion communicates that the Lord values every place and person in His redemptive plan. Archaeological and Topographical Notes Jokdeam’s exact ruins remain unidentified. Proposed sites lie among limestone ridges south of Hebron where cisterns and terrace agriculture suggest continuous occupation from the Late Bronze Age. The absence of definitive digs reminds researchers of how much ancient Judah still lies beneath the soil, awaiting discovery that may validate yet another biblical detail. Conclusion While Jokdeam occupies but one verse, it enriches Scripture’s tapestry. Its presence fortifies confidence in the reliability of the conquest narratives, illustrates God’s meticulous faithfulness, and supplies pastors with a vivid reminder that even the smallest elements of God’s kingdom bear eternal significance. Forms and Transliterations וְיָקְדְעָ֖ם ויקדעם veyakedeAm wə·yā·qə·ḏə·‘ām wəyāqəḏə‘āmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:56 HEB: וְיִזְרְעֶ֥אל וְיָקְדְעָ֖ם וְזָנֽוֹחַ׃ NAS: and Jezreel and Jokdeam and Zanoah, KJV: And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah, INT: and Jezreel and Jokdeam and Zanoah 1 Occurrence |
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