Lexical Summary Qarqor: Qarqor Original Word: קַרְקֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Karkor From quwr; foundation; Karkor, a place East of the Jordan -- Karkor. see HEBREW quwr Brown-Driver-Briggs קַרְקַר proper name, of a location east of Jordan, Judges 8:10, site unknown; Καρκαρ. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Karkor is mentioned only once in Scripture, situated east of the Jordan River in the Transjordanian region. The narrative places it beyond Succoth and Penuel, somewhere in the arid plateau stretching toward the Syrian desert. While its precise site remains uncertain, suggestions range from the highlands of modern-day northern Jordan to an outpost along the caravan routes leading toward the Hauran. The name’s reduplicated form hints at a strongly founded or enclosed place—fitting for a temporary refuge of a defeated army. Biblical Context (Judges 8:10) After Gideon’s night attack on the Midianite camp at the Hill of Moreh, the fleeing coalition crossed the Jordan. Gideon, accompanied by his exhausted three hundred, pursued the remnant: “Now Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the entire camp of the eastern peoples. One hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen.” (Judges 8:10) Karkor thus becomes the scene of the final stand of Midian’s princes. Gideon’s surprise assault later that night (Judges 8:11-12) completed Israel’s deliverance and fulfilled the LORD’s promise to save by means that displayed His power rather than Israel’s might. Historical Background of the Midianite Oppression The Midianites and their confederates (Amalekites and “people of the east”) had plagued Israel for seven years, raiding harvests (Judges 6:1-6). Their encampments were mobile, camel-borne nomadic forces who exploited the trade routes that skirted Karkor’s region. Choosing Karkor after their initial defeat suggests a strategic fallback toward familiar desert terrain and supply lines. Military Significance 1. Strategic Retreat: Karkor served as a rally point far from Israelite population centers, giving Zebah and Zalmunna space to regroup. Theological and Ministry Implications • Divine Sovereignty in Deliverance: Karkor underscores that no distance can shield God’s enemies when He has decreed judgment. Gideon’s relentless pursuit models obedience that does not stop short of complete victory (cf. Hebrews 10:36). Later History and Possible Identification Post-biblical sources are silent on Karkor. Some scholars locate it at modern-day Qarqur (Tell Qarqur) on the Orontes; others prefer Khirbet el-Kurkur or sites near the Jebel Druze. None are conclusive. The obscurity itself speaks: the once-formidable Midianite refuge vanished, whereas the record of God’s deliverance endures. Practical Applications • Spiritual Warfare: Believers are called to pursue besetting sins to their “Karkor,” refusing partial victories (Romans 8:13). Summary Karkor marks the last redoubt of Midianite power and the place where Gideon’s faith-driven persistence sealed Israel’s freedom. Though the site itself faded from history, its lessons on divine faithfulness, courageous obedience, and the futility of resistance against God remain foundational for every generation. Forms and Transliterations בַּקַּרְקֹ֗ר בקרקר bakkarKor baq·qar·qōr baqqarqōrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 8:10 HEB: וְזֶ֨בַח וְצַלְמֻנָּ֜ע בַּקַּרְקֹ֗ר וּמַחֲנֵיהֶ֤ם עִמָּם֙ NAS: and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies KJV: and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts INT: now Zebah and Zalmunna Karkor and their hosts with 1 Occurrence |
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