Topical Encyclopedia Ijon is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. This town holds historical significance due to its mention in the context of military campaigns and conquests during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel.Biblical References: Ijon is referenced in the Bible in the context of military incursions by foreign powers. The first mention of Ijon is found in 1 Kings 15:20, where it is recorded as one of the towns captured by Ben-hadad, the king of Aram (Syria), during the reign of King Baasha of Israel. The passage states: "So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all the land of Naphtali." The town is again mentioned in 2 Kings 15:29, during the reign of Pekah, king of Israel. Tiglath-pileser III, the king of Assyria, invaded the northern kingdom and captured several cities, including Ijon. The verse reads: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria." Historical and Geographical Context: Ijon was situated in the northern part of the land of Israel, within the region assigned to the tribe of Naphtali. The exact location of Ijon is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been in the area of modern-day southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel. The town's strategic location made it a target for invading armies seeking to control the northern approaches to the land of Israel. The historical context of Ijon's mention in the Bible highlights the turbulent period of the divided monarchy, where the northern kingdom of Israel was frequently threatened by more powerful neighboring empires. The capture of Ijon by both Aramean and Assyrian forces underscores the vulnerability of the northern tribes to external threats and the shifting political alliances of the time. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the capture of Ijon and other towns in Naphtali serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. The incursions by foreign powers were often seen as divine judgment for the idolatry and unfaithfulness of the Israelite kings and people. The loss of territory and the subsequent exile of the inhabitants were part of the broader narrative of Israel's covenant relationship with God, where blessings and protection were contingent upon obedience to His commandments. The mention of Ijon in the biblical narrative also reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. Despite the political and military machinations of human rulers, the unfolding events ultimately serve God's purposes and the fulfillment of His divine plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:20So Benhadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:29 2 Chronicles 16:4 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was King Baasha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Pekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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