Darkon is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the lists of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Darkon" appears in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:56 : "the descendants of Jaalah, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,"

2. Nehemiah 7:58 : "the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,"

In both references, Darkon is listed among the "temple servants" or "Nethinim," a group of individuals who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. The Nethinim were likely descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Israelites after they tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them (Joshua 9). Over time, their role became institutionalized as temple servants.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and the re-establishment of temple worship. The lists of returnees, such as those found in Ezra and Nehemiah, serve to authenticate the continuity of the Jewish people and their religious practices. The inclusion of the Nethinim, including the descendants of Darkon, highlights the importance of maintaining the temple's function and the community's dedication to worship.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Darkon and other temple servants underscores the theme of restoration and faithfulness to God's covenant. Despite the exile, God preserved a remnant of His people and provided for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The detailed genealogies and lists of returnees emphasize God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of each individual's role in the community's spiritual life.

Name Meaning and Etymology:

The name "Darkon" is of uncertain etymology, but it may be derived from a root meaning "scatter" or "scatterer." This could symbolically reflect the scattering of the Israelites during the exile and their subsequent gathering back to the Promised Land.

Role in the Community:

As part of the Nethinim, the descendants of Darkon played a crucial role in the daily operations of the temple. Their service was essential for the Levites, who were responsible for the more direct aspects of worship and sacrifice. The Nethinim's dedication to their duties exemplifies the broader community's commitment to restoring and maintaining the worship of Yahweh according to the Law of Moses.

In summary, Darkon represents a lineage of temple servants integral to the post-exilic restoration of Israel. His mention in the biblical record highlights the continuity of worship and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Darkon

of generation; of possession

Darkon

(scatterer). Children of Darkon were among the "servants of Solomon" who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:56; Nehemiah 7:58) (B.C. before 536).

DARKON

dar'-kon (darqon, "carrier"): Ancestor of a subdivision of "Solomon's servants," so called, in post-exilic times (Ezra 2:56; Ne 7:58; Lozon, 1 Esdras 5:33).

1874. Darqon -- one of the Nethinim
... 1873, 1874. Darqon. 1875 . one of the Nethinim. Transliteration: Darqon
Phonetic Spelling: (dar-kone') Short Definition: Darkon. ... Darkon. ...
/hebrew/1874.htm - 5kDarkon (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DARKON. dar'-kon (darqon, "carrier ... 5:33).
Multi-Version Concordance Darkon (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2 ...
/d/darkon.htm - 7k

Giddel (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children
of Giddel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/giddel.htm - 8k

Darling (13 Occurrences)

/d/darling.htm - 10k

Ja'ala (1 Occurrence)
... Ja'ala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon,
the children of Giddel, (See RSV). Jaala, Ja'ala. Jaalah . Reference Bible
/j/ja'ala.htm - 6k

Jala (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala,
the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (See JPS). ...
/j/jala.htm - 6k

Ja'alah (1 Occurrence)
... Ja'alah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon,
the children of Giddel, (See RSV). Jaalah, Ja'alah. Jaalam . Reference Bible
/j/ja'alah.htm - 6k

Jaalah (1 Occurrence)
... Jaalah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon,
the children of Giddel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/j/jaalah.htm - 7k

Jaala (1 Occurrence)
... Jaala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon,
the children of Giddel, (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jaala.htm - 7k

Lozon
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOZON. lo'-zon (Lozon): Head of a family of Solomon's
servants (1 Esdras 5:33); called "Darkon" in Ezra 2:56 Nehemiah 7:58. ...
/l/lozon.htm - 6k

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