Topical Encyclopedia Eglon was an ancient city located in the southern region of Canaan, notable for its mention in the biblical narrative as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah. This city holds historical and theological significance within the context of Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.Biblical References and Historical Context Eglon is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. In the Book of Joshua, Eglon is listed among the cities that formed a coalition against Israel. The king of Eglon joined forces with other Amorite kings to wage war against Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. Joshua 10:3-5 states, "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 'Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.'" The coalition of kings, including the king of Eglon, was decisively defeated by Joshua and the Israelites in a miraculous battle where the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12-14). Following this victory, Joshua captured and executed the kings, including the king of Eglon, as recorded in Joshua 10:26-27 : "After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening." Eglon was subsequently captured and destroyed by the Israelites as part of their campaign to take possession of the land. Joshua 10:34-35 recounts, "Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon. They laid siege to it and attacked it. They captured it that same day and put it to the sword, and they totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish." Allotment to the Tribe of Judah Following the conquest, Eglon was allotted to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. This allocation is detailed in Joshua 15:20, 39 , which lists Eglon among the cities in the lowland region given to Judah: "This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Judah... Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon." Archaeological and Geographical Considerations The exact location of ancient Eglon has been a subject of scholarly investigation, with some identifying it with the archaeological site of Tel Eton, located in the Shephelah region of modern-day Israel. This area is characterized by its strategic position in the lowlands, making it a significant site during the period of the Israelite settlement. Theological Significance Eglon's narrative within the biblical text underscores the themes of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The defeat of Eglon and its coalition highlights the power of God in delivering His people and establishing them in the land He had promised to their forefathers. The allocation of Eglon to the tribe of Judah further emphasizes the fulfillment of the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. Eglon's account, as part of the broader conquest narrative, serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in the history of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan through the establishment of His chosen people in the land of promise. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 15:39Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon, Nave's Topical Index Library Book 5 Footnotes The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Jericho in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |