Karkor is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is noted as the site where Gideon, a judge of Israel, pursued and defeated the remnants of the Midianite army. The account of Karkor is found in Judges 8:10-12.

Biblical Context

In the narrative of Judges, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, leading to a period of hardship and suffering. God raised up Gideon to deliver Israel from this oppression. After reducing his army to a mere 300 men to demonstrate God's power, Gideon achieved a miraculous victory over the Midianites at the Battle of the Valley of Jezreel.

Following this initial victory, Gideon continued to pursue the fleeing Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. The pursuit led him to Karkor, where the remaining forces of the Midianites had regrouped. Judges 8:10-12 states:

"Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. Gideon went up by the route of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked their camp when they felt secure. Zebah and Zalmunna fled, but he pursued them and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army."

Geographical and Historical Significance

The exact location of Karkor is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated east of the Jordan River, in the region that would have been part of the territory of the Midianites. The mention of Karkor in the context of Gideon's campaign highlights its strategic importance as a place where the Midianites felt secure enough to regroup after their initial defeat.

The victory at Karkor was significant in the broader narrative of Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression. It demonstrated God's continued support for Israel through Gideon's leadership and served as a turning point in the struggle against the Midianites. The capture of Zebah and Zalmunna at Karkor effectively ended the Midianite threat, allowing Israel to experience peace for a time.

Theological Implications

The account of Karkor underscores several key theological themes present in the Book of Judges. It highlights God's sovereignty and power in delivering His people, often using unlikely means and individuals to achieve His purposes. Gideon's victory, despite overwhelming odds, serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Moreover, the account of Karkor illustrates the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan. Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, even after the initial victory, reflects a commitment to complete the task God had set before him. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and to persevere in the face of challenges, knowing that God is with them.

In summary, Karkor is a significant location in the biblical account of Gideon's triumph over the Midianites, symbolizing God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.Karkor

they rested

Karkor

(foundation), the place in which Zebah and Zalmunna were again routed by Gideon, (Judges 8:10) must have been on the east of Jordan.

Foundation, a place in the open desert wastes on the east of Jordan (Judges 8:10), not far beyond Succoth and Penuel, to the south. Here Gideon overtook and routed a fugitive band of Midianites under Zeba and Zalmunna, whom he took captive. KARKOR

kar'-kor (qarqor): A place where Gideon surprised and overwhelmed the remnants of the army of Zeba and Zalmunnah (Judges 8:10). It probably corresponds to Qarkar mentioned by Shalmaneser II, S. of Hamath (KB, I, 173).

7174. Qarqor -- a place East of the Jordan
... 7173, 7174. Qarqor. 7174a . a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Qarqor
Phonetic Spelling: (kar-kore') Short Definition: Karkor. Karkor ...
/hebrew/7174.htm - 5k

7174a. Qarqor -- a place East of the Jordan
... 7174, 7174a. Qarqor. 7174b . a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration:
Qarqor Short Definition: Karkor. Word Origin of uncertain ...
/hebrew/7174a.htm - 5k

Gideon's Brave Band
... this tower.". Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their forces were
with them, in all about fifteen thousand men. Gideon went ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gideons brave band.htm

Karkor (1 Occurrence)
...KARKOR. kar'-kor (qarqor): A place where Gideon surprised and overwhelmed the remnants
of the army of Zeba and Zalmunnah (Judges 8:10). ...Karkor (1 Occurrence). ...
/k/karkor.htm - 7k

Zebah (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 8). Zebah and Zalmunna had succeeded in escaping across the Jordan with a
remnant of the Midianite host, but were overtaken at Karkor, probably in the ...
/z/zebah.htm - 13k

Zalmunna (9 Occurrences)
... refused this. He then went on and caught the Midianites unawares at Karkor
(Judges 8:10) and captured their two chiefs. He then ...
/z/zalmunna.htm - 13k

120000 (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about
fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of ...
/num/120000.htm - 7k

Zalmun'na (8 Occurrences)
... Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmun'na were in Karkor with their army, about fifteen
thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East ...
/z/zalmun'na.htm - 8k

Karkemish (2 Occurrences)

/k/karkemish.htm - 6k

Karnaim (2 Occurrences)

/k/karnaim.htm - 7k

Fifteen (26 Occurrences)
... Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about
fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of ...
/f/fifteen.htm - 14k

Eastern (22 Occurrences)
... Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about
fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the host of the children of ...
/e/eastern.htm - 14k

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