Lexical Summary Madon: Madon Original Word: מָדוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Madon The same as madown; Madon, a place in Palestine -- Madon. see HEBREW madown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom din Definition a royal city of the Canaanites NASB Translation Madon (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מָדוֺן proper name, of a location a royal city of the Canaanites Joshua 11:1; Joshua 12:19; ᵐ5 Μαρρων, Μαδων, Λαμορων; = Madîn close to Hattîn, Surveyi. 365, dubious; a village Maron lies 2 hours west-southwest from Kedesh, van de VeldeMem. 146, compare Di. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Narrative ContextMadon is mentioned twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Joshua (Joshua 11:1; 12:19). The first reference places its king, Jobab, among the northern Canaanite rulers who united against Israel under Jabin of Hazor. The second lists the king of Madon as one of thirty-one monarchs conquered by Joshua. These brief notices position Madon squarely within the decisive northern campaign that secured Israel’s possession of Canaan. “Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon…” (Joshua 11:1). “the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;” (Joshua 12:19). Geographical Setting Madon stood in Galilee’s northern hill country, probably southwest of the Sea of Galilee and northwest of the Huleh Valley—an area dominated by Hazor. Several scholars favor Khirbet Madîn (Grid 194 265) on a ridge above the modern Wadi Leimûn; others suggest Tell el-Qaddah or a site near modern Meron. Although archaeological confirmation remains elusive, the textual clues link Madon to the strategic Galilean corridor controlling access between the coastal plain and inland trade routes. Historical Significance in Joshua’s Conquest 1. Coalition Participant The alliance of Hazor, Madon, Shimron, and Achshaph (Joshua 11:1-5) represents the most formidable confederation Israel faced. Madon’s inclusion testifies to its political weight and willingness to resist Israel’s advance. 2. Decisive Defeat The rout at the waters of Merom (Joshua 11:7-9) shattered northern Canaanite resistance. By recording the fall of Madon’s king (Joshua 12:19), Scripture underlines the completeness of God’s promise to deliver “all their kings into your hand” (Joshua 11:6). 3. Covenant Theology Madon’s overthrow illustrates the covenant principle of blessing for obedience and judgment upon entrenched opposition (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The city becomes a witness to Yahweh’s faithfulness and sovereignty over the nations (Psalm 2:8-12). Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty: Madon’s fate was sealed not by Israel’s military ingenuity alone but by the LORD’s command (Joshua 11:6). Later Jewish and Christian Tradition Madon fades from the biblical record after Joshua, and no extrabiblical texts expand its story. Yet rabbinic literature sometimes cites the Joshua lists to affirm divine justice against idolatry. Christian commentators, from the church fathers through Reformation expositors, typically treat Madon typologically—representing worldly opposition subdued by God’s people under a faithful leader. Practical Ministry Application • Spiritual Warfare: Just as Israel confronted Madon within a larger coalition, believers today face coordinated spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:12). Victory rests on reliance upon God’s promises rather than human strength. Summary Though only a minor player in the biblical narrative, Madon illustrates major biblical convictions: the certainty of divine promises, the futility of opposing God’s redemptive plan, and the call for God’s people to walk in obedient faith. Its brief appearance in Joshua functions as a historical marker of God’s faithfulness and a spiritual lesson for every generation. Forms and Transliterations מָד֔וֹן מָדוֹן֙ מדון maDonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 11:1 HEB: יוֹבָב֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מָד֔וֹן וְאֶל־ מֶ֥לֶךְ NAS: king of Madon and to the king KJV: king of Madon, and to the king INT: Jobab king of Madon and to the king Joshua 12:19 2 Occurrences |
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