Me-jarkon
Me-jarkon is a location mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan. The name "Me-jarkon" means "waters of the yellow" or "yellow waters," likely referring to a river or stream in the area. This name suggests a geographical feature that was significant to the people of Dan. The mention of water is important in the arid climate of the region, indicating a source of life and sustenance. The tribe of Dan, known for its struggles to maintain its allotted territory, would have valued such a resource. This location is not widely referenced elsewhere in Scripture, highlighting the specificity of the land divisions in Joshua.

and Rakkon
Rakkon is another location within the territory assigned to the tribe of Dan. The exact location of Rakkon is not definitively known today, but it is believed to be near the Mediterranean coast. The coastal proximity would have provided the tribe with access to maritime resources and trade routes. This area would have been strategically important for economic and military reasons. The inclusion of Rakkon in the list of territories underscores the comprehensive nature of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel.

including the territory across from Joppa
Joppa, known today as Jaffa, is one of the oldest port cities in the world and is located on the Mediterranean coast. It played a significant role in biblical history, serving as a gateway for trade and travel. Joppa is mentioned in the story of Jonah, who attempted to flee from God's command by boarding a ship there. It is also the port from which the cedars of Lebanon were brought for the construction of Solomon's Temple. The reference to the territory "across from Joppa" indicates the strategic importance of the land given to Dan, providing access to a major port city. This location would have been crucial for trade and interaction with other cultures, influencing the economic and cultural development of the tribe. The mention of Joppa also connects to the New Testament, where Peter had a vision that led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church, highlighting the city's ongoing significance in biblical narrative.

1. Me-jarkon
A location mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan. The name "Me-jarkon" means "waters of the Jarkon," indicating a place near a water source.

2. Rakkon
Another location within the territory given to the tribe of Dan. The name "Rakkon" is less clear in meaning but is part of the geographical boundary described.

3. Joppa
An ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea, known today as Jaffa. It was a significant location for trade and travel in biblical times.

4. Tribe of Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe was allotted land in the coastal region of Canaan.

5. Allotment of Land
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God and executed by Joshua.Understanding God's Provision
The allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, including Me-jarkon and Rakkon, demonstrates God's provision and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Believers can trust in God's provision in their own lives.

Challenges in Obedience
The tribe of Dan faced difficulties in fully possessing their land, reminding us that obedience to God's commands may come with challenges. We are called to persevere and rely on God's strength.

Significance of Place in God's Plan
Locations like Joppa played crucial roles in biblical accounts, showing that God uses specific places for His purposes. We should be attentive to the places God has positioned us and seek to fulfill His purposes there.

Historical and Spiritual Legacy
The historical context of these locations enriches our understanding of biblical events and encourages us to appreciate the spiritual legacy we inherit as part of God's people.Verse 46. - Before. Or opposite. Japho. The Joppa of the New Testament, and the modern Jaffa. It is called Joppa in 2 Chronicles 2:16, in Ezra 3:7, and in the book of Jonah (Jonah 1:3), in an which places it is mentioned as a famous seaport, a position it still maintains, being still, as it was of old, the port of Jerusalem. The LXX. and Vulgate have Joppa here, and it is unfortunate that our translators, in this instance only, should have adhered to the Hebrew form. Joppa appears to have been an important city in the time of the Maccabees (see 1 Macc. 10:75, 76; and 2 Macc. 4:21). Its mention in the New Testament as the place where St. Peter's vision occurred will be known to all. The name signifies "beauty," though Joppa does not seem to be distinguished above all other places in Palestine by the beauty of its situation. But according to Hovers, Japho signifies in Phoenician, "high place." It is certainly built on a range of terraces above the sea, but the term "high place" would seem unsuitable. The soil is very productive, and it is "the only harbour in Central Palestine" (Ritter).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Me-jarkon,
הַיַּרְק֖וֹן (hay·yar·qō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4313: Me-jarkon -- a place in Dan near Joppa

and Rakkon,
וְהָֽרַקּ֑וֹן (wə·hā·raq·qō·wn)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7542: Rakkon -- a city in Dan near Joppa

including
עִֽם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the territory
הַגְּב֖וּל (hag·gə·ḇūl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

across from
מ֥וּל (mūl)
Preposition
Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite

Joppa.
יָפֽוֹ׃ (yā·p̄ōw)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3305: Joppa -- a seaport city of Palestine


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OT History: Joshua 19:46 Me Jarkon and Rakkon with the border (Josh. Jos)