Lexical Summary Eglown: Eglon Original Word: עֶגְלוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Eglon From egel; vituline; Eglon, the name of a place in Palestine and of a Moabitish king -- Eglon. see HEBREW egel Brown-Driver-Briggs עֶגְלוֺן13 proper name (compare Gray Prop. N. 92, No. 27); — 1. masculine a king of Moab, Judges 3:12,14,15,17 (twice in verse), ᵐ5 Εγλωμ. 2 location Joshua 10:3,5,23,37; Joshua 12:12; Joshua 15:34, with ה locative Joshua 10:34, מֵעֶגְלוֺ֫נָה Joshua 10:36; ᵐ5 Οδολλαμ Joshua 10; Αιλαμ Joshua 12:12, A Εγλωμ, ᵐ5 Εγλων, and so Joshua 15:39; site ±A³lân, North of Tele-el-–esy, BuhlGeogr. 192. עֶגְלַ֫יִם Ezekiel 47:10 in ׳עֵין ע q. v. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Scope Eglon appears in two distinct but thematically related settings: 1. A Canaanite city-state in the Shephelah of Judah (Joshua 10; 12; 15). The word occurs thirteen times, each reference reinforcing either the defeat of Canaanite powers under Joshua or the cyclical oppression-deliverance pattern in Judges. Eglon the Canaanite City Strategic Location Situated in the fertile lowlands southwest of Jerusalem, Eglon guarded approaches from the coastal plain to the Judean hill country. Its proximity to Lachish (Joshua 10:34) made it part of a defensive chain of Amorite strongholds. Alliance against Gibeon When Gibeon made peace with Israel, Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem rallied four fellow kings, including the king of Eglon, to punish the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:3-5). Their coalition represents the united but futile resistance of Canaan against the divine promise given to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Capture and Judgment “Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Lachish to Eglon… That day they captured Eglon and put it to the sword” (Joshua 10:34-35). The speed of the victory highlights two truths: Place in Judah’s Inheritance Eglon later appears among the cities allotted to Judah (Joshua 15:39). The transition from enemy fortress to covenant inheritance illustrates God’s power to turn hostile territory into a place of blessing. Archaeologically, Eglon is often linked with Tell ‘Eitun or a nearby mound, attesting to a significant Late Bronze–Iron I occupation. Eglon the Moabite King Rise to Power “Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, and… the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel” (Judges 3:12). God used Eglon as an instrument of discipline, demonstrating that even pagan rulers serve His sovereign purposes (cf. Habakkuk 1:6). Occupation of the “City of Palms” With Ammon and Amalek, Eglon seized Jericho (Judges 3:13). Controlling this entry point into Canaan enabled Moab to exact tribute for eighteen years (Judges 3:14), a reversal of Israel’s earlier triumph at Jericho. Ehud’s Deliverance The left-handed judge Ehud crafted a double-edged sword, delivered the tribute, and requested a private audience with the king. “Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword… and plunged it into Eglon’s belly” (Judges 3:21). The narrative underscores: Theological Themes Covenant Faithfulness Eglon’s two storylines affirm the covenant principle of blessing for obedience and discipline for rebellion (Leviticus 26). The city falls when Israel is faithful; the king rises when Israel lapses into idolatry. Sovereignty over Nations Whether as a Canaanite fortress or a Moabite monarch, Eglon exemplifies how the LORD “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21). His sovereignty extends to timing (Joshua’s rapid conquests versus Israel’s eighteen-year bondage) and to geography (west and east of the Jordan). Typology of Salvation Ehud’s stealthy deliverance foreshadows the unexpected manner in which God saves. A left-handed Benjamite bringing a concealed blade anticipates a greater Deliverer whose humble appearance masked divine power (Isaiah 53:2-5; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Practical Ministry Applications Spiritual Compromise Invites Oppression Israel’s disobedience enabled Eglon of Moab to gain dominance. Churches and believers who tolerate sin may likewise find themselves spiritually “taxed” by oppressive habits or ideologies (Hebrews 12:1). God Delivers through Unlikely Instruments Ehud’s physical limitation became an asset. Ministry leaders can encourage believers that perceived weaknesses do not disqualify them from effective service (2 Corinthians 12:9). Seizing Enemy Strongholds Joshua’s conquest of Eglon encourages intercessors and church planters to claim territory—physical or cultural—that once resisted the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). What lies within “enemy walls” today may become tomorrow’s inheritance. Rest and Renewal Following Eglon’s defeat, Judah enjoyed occupancy of the city, and the nation experienced eighty years of peace after Ehud. Genuine deliverance produces sustained rest, depicted ultimately in the eternal Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10). Summary Eglon, whether city or king, stands as a witness to God’s unwavering covenant purposes: judgment on entrenched evil, discipline for covenant breach, and gracious deliverance for repentance and faith. The accounts call believers to obedience, vigilance against complacency, and confidence that the LORD still topples strongholds and raises deliverers for His people. Forms and Transliterations וְעֶגְל֕וֹן וְעֶגְלֽוֹן׃ ועגלון ועגלון׃ לְעֶגְל֑וֹן לְעֶגְל֖וֹן לעגלון מֵעֶגְל֖וֹנָה מעגלונה עֶגְל֔וֹן עֶגְל֖וֹן עֶגְל֣וֹן עֶגְל֤וֹן עֶגְלֹ֑נָה עֶגְלֽוֹן׃ עֶגְלוֹן֙ עגלון עגלון׃ עגלנה ‘eḡ·lō·nāh ‘eḡ·lō·wn ‘eḡlōnāh ‘eḡlōwn egLon egLonah lə‘eḡlōwn lə·‘eḡ·lō·wn leegLon mê‘eḡlōwnāh mê·‘eḡ·lō·w·nāh meegLonah veegLon wə‘eḡlōwn wə·‘eḡ·lō·wnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 10:3 HEB: דְּבִ֥יר מֶֽלֶךְ־ עֶגְל֖וֹן לֵאמֹֽר׃ NAS: and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, KJV: and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, INT: Debir king of Eglon saying Joshua 10:5 Joshua 10:23 Joshua 10:34 Joshua 10:36 Joshua 10:37 Joshua 12:12 Joshua 15:39 Judges 3:12 Judges 3:14 Judges 3:15 Judges 3:17 Judges 3:17 13 Occurrences |
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