Joktheel is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the territorial allotment of the tribe of Judah. The name "Joktheel" is understood to mean "God-subdued" or "subdued by God," reflecting a possible historical or spiritual significance attributed to the city.

Biblical References:

Joktheel is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:38, Joktheel is listed among the cities in the lowland region of Judah: "Dilan, Mizpeh, Joktheel" . This inclusion places Joktheel within the geographical context of the Shephelah, a region characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Shephelah, where Joktheel was located, was a strategically important area due to its proximity to major trade routes and its role as a frontier between the Israelites and the Philistines. The cities in this region, including Joktheel, were often fortified and served as defensive outposts against potential invasions.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The name "Joktheel" itself may suggest a narrative of divine intervention or victory, possibly indicating a historical event where the city was delivered or established through God's power. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God as the protector and deliverer of His people, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament.

Related References:

In addition to its mention in Joshua, the name Joktheel appears in another context in 2 Kings 14:7, where it is used as a new name given by King Amaziah of Judah to the city of Sela after a victorious campaign against the Edomites: "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He captured Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, as it is called to this day" . While this reference pertains to a different location, it underscores the significance of the name Joktheel as a symbol of divine conquest and victory.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of Joktheel in Judah is not definitively identified in modern archaeology, it is generally associated with the broader region of the Shephelah. Archaeological findings in this area have uncovered remnants of ancient cities, fortifications, and artifacts that provide insight into the life and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period.

Conclusion:

Joktheel, as a city within the territory of Judah, holds a place in the biblical narrative as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. Its mention in the Scriptures, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel.Joshua 15:38
And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
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Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... was rebuilt, and received the name of Joktheel from its ... and he was master in his
own city of Jerusalem ... the numerous states which shared the territory of Syria ...
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