Topical Encyclopedia
Ekron, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It was located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast, and was part of the Philistine pentapolis, which also included Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Gath. The city is identified with the modern-day site of Tel Miqne in Israel.
Biblical References and Historical ContextEkron is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In
Joshua 13:3, it is listed as one of the territories that remained to be conquered: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron in the north, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five rulers of the Philistines—the Gazites, Ashdodites, Ashkelonites, Gittites, and Ekronites—and the Avvites" . This indicates its significance as a Philistine stronghold.
The city is also noted in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Philistines captured the Ark from the Israelites, it brought plagues upon them, leading them to move it from city to city. Eventually, it was sent to Ekron, where the people cried out, "They have brought the ark of the God of Israel around to us to kill us and our people" (
1 Samuel 5:10). This event underscores the fear and respect the Philistines had for the God of Israel.
Ekron is further mentioned in the context of King Ahaziah of Israel, who sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, regarding his recovery from an injury (
2 Kings 1:2). This act of seeking guidance from a foreign deity was condemned by the prophet Elijah, highlighting the syncretism and idolatry that plagued Israel during this period.
Archaeological and Cultural InsightsArchaeological excavations at Tel Miqne have revealed significant insights into the Philistine culture and their interactions with neighboring peoples. The site has yielded artifacts such as pottery, tools, and inscriptions that provide a glimpse into the daily life and religious practices of the Philistines. The presence of a large olive oil production facility suggests that Ekron was an important economic center in the region.
The worship of Baal-Zebub, or "lord of the flies," at Ekron indicates the city's role as a religious center. This deity was likely associated with healing and protection, reflecting the Philistines' reliance on their gods for health and prosperity.
Prophetic DenunciationsThe prophets of Israel often denounced the Philistines, including the inhabitants of Ekron, for their opposition to God's people. In
Amos 1:8, the Lord declares, "I will cut off the ruler from Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter from Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish," says the Lord GOD . This prophecy foretells the judgment and eventual downfall of the Philistine cities due to their persistent enmity against Israel.
Similarly,
Zephaniah 2:4-5 proclaims, "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied, and Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: 'I will destroy you, and no one will be left'" . These prophetic words emphasize the divine retribution that awaited the Philistines for their transgressions.
ConclusionEkron's role as a significant Philistine city is well-documented in the biblical narrative. Its interactions with Israel, both in conflict and in cultural exchange, provide valuable insights into the ancient Near Eastern world. The city's eventual decline, as foretold by the prophets, serves as a testament to the sovereignty of God over the nations.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ekronbarrenness; torn away
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ekron(torn up by the roots; emigration), one of the five towns belonging to the lords of the Philistines, and the most northerly of the five. (Joshua 13:3) Like the other Philistine cities its situation was in the lowlands. It fell to the lot of Judah. (Joshua 15:45,46;Judges 1:18) Afterwards we find it mentioned among the cities of Dan. (Joshua 19:43) Before the monarchy it was again in full possession of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 5:10)Akir , the modern representative of Ekron, lies about five miles southwest ofRamleh . In the Apocrypha it appears asACCARON. 1Macc 10:89 only.
ATS Bible Dictionary
EkronThe most northern city of the Philistines, allotted to Judah byJoshua 15:45, but afterwards given toDaniel 12:13, though it does not appear that the Jews ever peaceably possessed it. It is memorable for its connection with the captivity of the ark and its restoration to the Jews,1 Samuel 5:10 6:1-18. The fly-god was worshipped here,2 Kings 1:2. Its ruin was foretold, Am 1:8Zephaniah 2:4Zechariah 9:5,7. Robinson found its site at the Moslem village Akir, some ten miles northeast of Ashdod. There are no ruins.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Firm-rooted, the most northerly of the five towns belonging to the lords of the Philistines, about 11 miles north of Gath. It was assigned to Judah (
Joshua 13:3), and afterwards to Dan (
19:43), but came again into the full possession of the Philistines (
1 Samuel 5:10). It was the last place to which the Philistines carried the ark before they sent it back to Israel (
1 Samuel 5:10;
6:1-8). There was here a noted sanctuary of Baal-zebub (
2 Kings 1: 2, 3, 6, 16). Now the small village Akir. It is mentioned on monuments in B.C. 702, when Sennacherib set free its king, imprisoned by Hezekiah in Jerusalem, according to the Assyrian record.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EKRON; EKRONITEek'-ron, ek'-ron-it 'eqron, "migration," "rooting out"; Akkaron:
The most northerly of the chief cities of the Philistines. It was not subdued by Joshua (13:3) but was allotted, in the division of the land, first to Judah and then to Dan (Joshua 15:11, 45, 46;Joshua 19:43). It was taken by Judah (Judges 1:18). The people of Ekron are prominent in the story of the ark in the land of the Philistines. It was they who proposed to have it sent back to Israel (1 Samuel 5:10;1 Samuel 6:16, 17). After the defeat of the Philistines, when David killed Goliath, the Israelites pursued them to the gates of Ekron, which was evidently the nearest walled town in which the fugitives could take refuge (1 Samuel 17:52). It was the seat of the worship of the god Baalzebub, as appears in the account of the sickness and death of Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 6:16). It is included among other cities in the denunciations of Amos (1:8) and of Jeremiah (25:20). Zephaniah declares that it shall be rooted up (2:4), and Zechariah speaks of its consternation at the fall of Tyre (9:5, 7).
From the Assyrian records we learn that it revolted against Sennacherib and expelled Padi, the governor he had placed over it, and sent him to Hezekiah, at Jerusalem, for safe keeping. Sennacherib marched against it and Ekron called in the aid of the king of Mutsri, formerly supposed to be Egypt but now regarded by some scholars as a district of Northwestern Arabia. Sennacherib raised the siege of Ekron to defeat this army, which he did at Eltekeh, and then returned and took the city by storm and put to death the leaders of the revolt and carried their adherents into captivity. He then compelled Hezekiah to restore Padi, who was once more made governor. This affair led to the famous attack of Sennacherib on Hezekiah and Jerusalem (Rawl., Anc. Mon., II, 159). Ekron is mentioned in 1 Maccabees 10:89 as being given by Alexander Balas to Jonathan Maccabeus, and it appears in the accounts of the first Crusade.
Ekronite:
An inhabitant of Ekron, used in plural inJoshua 13:3 and1 Samuel 5:10.
H. Porter
Strong's Hebrew
6139. Eqroni -- inhab. ofEkron... inhab. of
Ekron. Transliteration: Eqroni Phonetic Spelling: (ek-ro-nee') Short
Definition: Ekronite.
... of
Ekron NASB Word Usage Ekronite (1), Ekronites (1).
...6138. Eqron -- a Philistine city
... 6137, 6138. Eqron. 6139 . a Philistine city. Transliteration: Eqron
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-rone') Short Definition:Ekron....Ekron....
Library
Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
... The Arabian interpreter thinks the first name of this city was Hazor, Joshua
11:1. The Jews,Ekron, Zephaniah 2:4. "R. Abhu saith," (he was of Caesarea...
The Fall of the House of Ahab
... chamber," Ahaziah, seriously injured, and fearful of the possible outcome, sent
some of his servants to make inquiry of Baalzebub, the god ofEkron, whether he...
The Ark among the Philistines
... Therefore they sent the ark of the God of Israel toEkron; but when it came toEkron,
the Ekronites cried out, "They have brought around the ark of the god of...
Concerning Ahaziah; the King of Israel; and Again Concerning the...
... that Ahaziah, as he was coming down from the top of his house, fell down from it,
and in his sickness sent to the Fly, which was the god ofEkron, for that was...
David's victory Over the Giant
... The men of Israel and of Judah rose up and raised the battle-cry and followed the
Philistines to the entrance to Gath and to the gates ofEkron, so that the...
The Children and the Dogs
... race of all the Canaanites should be absorbed in Israel as thoroughly as that which
gave Araunah to the kindliest intercourse with David, forEkron should be...
The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... for it, at length they sought for some contrivance and method how they might get
free from it: so the governors of the five cities, Gath, andEkron, and Askelon...
How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served...
... therefore their chariots, and gathered their soldiery together, their cities also
combined together, and drew over to them Askelon andEkron, which were within...
How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites...
... Simeon took the cities which were in the mountainous part of Canaan, as also Askelon
and Ashdod, of those that lay near the sea; but Gaza andEkron escaped them...
Of the Monk's Girdle.
... rebuke the messengers of Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel, because when confined
by sickness he had intended to consult Beelzebub, the god ofEkron, on the...
Thesaurus
Ekron (20 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
EKRON; EKRONITE.
... The people of
Ekron are prominent
in the story of the ark in the land of the Philistines.
...Ekronite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaEKRON; EKRONITE.... The people ofEkron are prominent
in the story of the ark in the land of the Philistines....
Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)
... couples Ashkelon with Gath in his lament over Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:20)
indicating its importance, and it is joined with Gaza, Ashdod andEkron in the...
Baalzebub (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fly-lord, the god of the Philistines atEkron
(2 Kings 1:2, 3, 16). This name was given to the god because...
Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the border ofEkron
northward--which is counted to the Canaanites; the five lords of the...
Gazah (16 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the...
Baal-zebub (4 Occurrences)
Baal-zebub. Baalzebub, Baal-zebub. Ba'al-ze'bub . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fly-lord, the god of the Philistines atEkron (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 16)....
Zebub (4 Occurrences)
... So he sent messengers, and said to them, "Go, inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of
Ekron, whether I will recover of this sickness." (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS...
Gath (44 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the...
Ba'al-ze'bub (4 Occurrences)
... So he sent messengers, and said to them, "Go, inquire of Baal Zebub, the god
ofEkron, whether I will recover of this sickness." (See RSV)....
Resources
Who was Beelzebub? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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