Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Accaron, also known as Ekron, is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. The name "Accaron" is derived from the Hebrew "עֶקְרוֹן" (ʿEqrōn), which is believed to mean "eradication" or "uprooting." Biblical References: Accaron is first mentioned in the context of the Philistine cities in the Book of Joshua. It is listed as part of the territory that was to be allotted to the tribe of Judah, although it remained under Philistine control for much of its history. · Joshua 13:3 : "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; the Avvites." Accaron is also noted in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Philistines captured the Ark, it was brought to several of their cities, including Ekron, where it caused great distress. · 1 Samuel 5:10 : "So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, 'They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us to kill us and our people!'" The city is mentioned in the context of the Philistine god Baal-Zebub, whom the king of Israel, Ahaziah, sought for counsel. · 2 Kings 1:2 : "Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, 'Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.'" Historical and Archaeological Context: Accaron was a significant Philistine city, strategically located in the Shephelah region, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the hill country of Judah. The city was known for its agricultural productivity, particularly olive oil production, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The city was eventually conquered by the Assyrians under the reign of Sennacherib in the late 8th century BCE. Assyrian records mention Ekron as a rebellious city that was subdued and its leaders punished. Cultural and Religious Significance: Accaron, like other Philistine cities, was a center of Philistine culture and religion. The worship of Baal-Zebub, a deity associated with Ekron, highlights the city's religious practices, which were distinct from those of the Israelites. The Philistines were known for their pantheon of gods, and Baal-Zebub was one of the prominent deities worshiped in Ekron. Prophetic References: The prophets of Israel often spoke against the Philistine cities, including Accaron, pronouncing judgments upon them for their opposition to Israel and their idolatrous practices. · Zephaniah 2:4 : "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied, and Ekron will be uprooted." These prophetic declarations underscore the eventual downfall of the Philistine cities, including Accaron, as part of divine judgment. Modern Identification: The ancient city of Accaron is identified with the archaeological site of Tel Miqne, located near the modern Israeli city of Ashdod. Excavations at Tel Miqne have uncovered significant remains from the Philistine period, including fortifications, pottery, and inscriptions, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of Accaron. Smith's Bible Dictionary Accaron[EKRON] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACCARONak'-a-ron (Akkaron): Mentioned in 1 Maccabees 10:89 the King James Version; a town of the Philistines, known as Ekron (`eqron) in Old Testament, which King Alexander gave to Jonathan Maccabeus as a reward for successful military service in western Palestine. It is also mentioned in the days of the Crusades. See EKRON. Library Whether There is a Degree of Prophecy in the Blessed? Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Thesaurus Accaron... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACCARON. ak'-a-ron (Akkaron): Mentioned in 1 Maccabees 10:89 the King James Version; a town of the ... /a/accaron.htm - 6k Accede (1 Occurrence) Accadians Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |