Topical Encyclopedia Eglon was a significant city in the ancient land of Canaan, mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the cities conquered by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. The city is noted for its strategic importance and its role in the coalition of Canaanite kings who opposed the Israelites.Biblical References and Historical Context Eglon is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where it is described as part of a confederation of Amorite kings. This coalition was led by Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, who sought to resist the advancing Israelites. The alliance included the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. 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 they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.' Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces, advanced with all their armies, besieged Gibeon, and fought against it." The city of Eglon, along with its king, played a pivotal role in this alliance, which ultimately faced defeat at the hands of Joshua and the Israelites. The biblical narrative describes how the Lord intervened on behalf of Israel, causing confusion among the Amorite forces and even hurling large hailstones from the sky, as recorded in Joshua 10:11 : "As they fled before Israel on the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down large hailstones on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites." Conquest by Joshua Following the miraculous victory at Gibeon, Joshua and the Israelite forces pursued the retreating kings and their armies. The campaign against Eglon is detailed in Joshua 10:34-35 : "Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon. They laid siege to it and attacked it. That day they captured Eglon and put it to the sword, and Joshua devoted every person to destruction, just as he had done to Lachish." The capture of Eglon was part of a broader military campaign in which Joshua systematically defeated the southern Canaanite cities, fulfilling the divine mandate to take possession of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fall of Eglon demonstrated the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israelite presence in the region. Archaeological and Geographical Considerations While the exact location of ancient Eglon remains uncertain, it is generally believed to have been situated in the lowlands of Judah, an area characterized by its fertile plains and strategic position. Some scholars suggest that the site of Tel Eton, located in the Shephelah region, may correspond to ancient Eglon, though definitive archaeological evidence is still a matter of scholarly debate. Theological Significance The narrative of Eglon's capture underscores the themes of divine intervention and covenant faithfulness that permeate the Book of Joshua. The victory over Eglon and its allies is seen as a testament to God's power and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to the people of Israel. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the assurance of His presence in the battles faced by His people. In summary, Eglon stands as a testament to the historical and theological dimensions of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, reflecting the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan as revealed in the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 10:23,35And they did so, and brought forth those five kings to him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. Nave's Topical Index Library A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Nations of the South-East 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 |
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