Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Lasharon is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It appears in the context of the conquests of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.Scriptural Citation: The city of Lasharon is referenced in Joshua 12:18, which lists the defeated kings of the land: "the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;" . Historical Context: Lasharon is one of the cities whose king was defeated by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. This period marks a significant phase in Israelite history, as the tribes of Israel, under divine mandate, sought to claim the land promised to their forefathers. The conquest of Canaan involved a series of battles against various city-states and their kings, who were often part of larger coalitions opposing the Israelites. Geographical Location: The exact location of Lasharon is not definitively known today, and it is not frequently mentioned in other historical or biblical records. Some scholars suggest it may have been located in the northern part of Canaan, possibly in the region of the Sharon plain, which is known for its fertile land and strategic importance. However, archaeological evidence to pinpoint its precise location remains elusive. Theological Significance: The mention of Lasharon, like other cities listed in Joshua 12, serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The defeat of the king of Lasharon is part of the broader narrative demonstrating God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The conquest narratives highlight themes of divine sovereignty, judgment against the Canaanite nations, and the establishment of Israel in the land as a people set apart for God's purposes. Cultural and Historical Insights: The listing of defeated kings, including the king of Lasharon, reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of recording military victories and territorial expansions. Such records were important for establishing the legitimacy and authority of a conquering leader. For the Israelites, these victories were not merely political or military achievements but were seen as acts of divine intervention and favor. Lasharon in Biblical Scholarship: While Lasharon is not a focal point of extensive biblical scholarship, its inclusion in the conquest list provides valuable insight into the historical and theological framework of the Book of Joshua. Scholars often examine these lists to understand the historical realities of the conquest period, the composition of the biblical text, and the theological messages conveyed through these narratives. In summary, Lasharon is a testament to the historical and theological dimensions of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, reflecting the broader themes of divine promise and fulfillment that permeate the biblical narrative. Smith's Bible Dictionary Lasharon(the plain), one of the Canaanite towns whose kings were killed by Joshua. (Joshua 12:18) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LASSHARONla-sha'-ron, la-shar'-on (lashsharon or la-sharon, the King James Version Sharon): A royal city of the Canaanites taken by Joshua, named with Aphek (Joshua 12:18). Possibly we should here follow the reading of Septuagint (Codex Vaticanus), "the king of Aphek in Sharon." Eusebius, Onomasticon (s.v. "Saron") mentions a region between Mt. Tabor and the Lake of Tiberias called Sarona. This is probably represented by the ancient site Sarona, on the plateau 6 1/2 miles Southwest 2 of Tiberias. If Massoretic Text is correct, this may be the place intended. Strong's Hebrew 8289. Sharon -- a plain on the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps also a ...... Word Origin from yashar Definition a plain on the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps also a region E. of the Jordan NASB Word Usage Lasharon (1), Sharon (6). ... /hebrew/8289.htm - 6k Thesaurus Lasharon (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Lasharon (1 Occurrence). Joshua 12:18 The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ... /l/lasharon.htm - 7k Lashar'on (1 Occurrence) Lashah (1 Occurrence) Saron (1 Occurrence) Sharon (9 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Lasharon (1 Occurrence)Joshua 12:18 Subtopics Lasharon: King of, Killed by Joshua Related Terms |