Topical Encyclopedia Makkedah is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The city is most notably mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where it becomes the site of a pivotal event during the southern campaign of the Israelites.Biblical Account The siege of Makkedah is intricately linked to the broader campaign against the Amorite coalition led by Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem. This coalition, which included the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, sought to retaliate against the Gibeonites for making peace with Israel. In response, Joshua led the Israelite forces to Gibeon, where they achieved a miraculous victory, aided by divine intervention, including the famous event where the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12-14). Following this victory, the five Amorite kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed with large stones and guarded, while the Israelite army continued to pursue and defeat the remaining Amorite forces. After securing the victory, Joshua returned to Makkedah, where the kings were brought out of the cave. In a symbolic act of triumph, the Israelite commanders placed their feet on the necks of the kings, and Joshua executed them, hanging their bodies on trees until evening (Joshua 10:16-27). Strategic and Theological Significance The siege and subsequent events at Makkedah underscore several key themes in the biblical narrative. Strategically, the capture of Makkedah and the defeat of the Amorite coalition marked a crucial step in the Israelite conquest of southern Canaan. The swift and decisive actions taken by Joshua demonstrated the military prowess and divine favor that accompanied the Israelites. Theologically, the events at Makkedah highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the conquest of the Promised Land. The miraculous nature of the victory, including the celestial intervention, served to reinforce the belief in God's active role in the battles of Israel. The execution of the Amorite kings also served as a stark reminder of the judgment against those who opposed God's chosen people. Archaeological and Historical Context While the exact location of Makkedah remains uncertain, it is generally believed to have been situated in the Shephelah region of ancient Canaan. Archaeological evidence for Makkedah is limited, but the biblical account provides valuable insights into the military tactics and cultural practices of the time, such as the use of caves for refuge and the public display of defeated enemies. Conclusion The siege of Makkedah is a testament to the divine assistance granted to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. It serves as a powerful narrative of victory, judgment, and the fulfillment of divine promises, encapsulating the broader themes of faith and obedience that permeate the biblical text. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 10:28And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did to the king of Jericho. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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