### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yoqnᵉʻâm**, represented by `{{H3362}}`, identifies a specific location in Palestine. Its name means "(the) people will be lamented". Appearing **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, it plays a distinct geographical and historical role in the narrative of Israel's settlement in the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical record, `{{H3362}}` is first mentioned as a royal Canaanite city whose **king** `{{H4428}}` was defeated by Joshua [[Joshua 12:22]]. This verse connects it to the region of **Carmel** `{{H3760}}`. Later, Jokneam serves as a crucial landmark defining the **border** `{{H1366}}` of the tribe of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}`, where the boundary reached "to the **river** `{{H5158}}` that is before Jokneam" [[Joshua 19:11]]. Finally, within the tribal allotment of Zebulun, Jokneam with its **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` was designated as a city for the **families** `{{H4940}}` of the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Merari** `{{H4847}}`, who were **Levites** `{{H3881}}` [[Joshua 21:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Jokneam:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term signifies a boundary or the territory it encloses. Its use in connection with Jokneam highlights the city's importance in establishing the precise territorial inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun [[Joshua 19:11]].
* `{{H2074}}` **Zᵉbûwlûwn** (Zebulun): The name for one of Jacob's sons and his resulting tribe and territory. Jokneam was situated within Zebulun's inheritance and was given from this tribe to the Levites [[Joshua 21:34]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This word describes the open country or pasture lands surrounding a city. The inclusion of suburbs with Jokneam shows that the Levites were provided not just with dwellings but also with land for their flocks [[Joshua 21:34]].
### Theological Significance
The brief mentions of `{{H3362}}` carry significant weight in the story of Israel.
* **Fulfillment of Conquest:** The listing of the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Jokneam among those defeated by Israel is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to His people [[Joshua 12:22]].
* **Divine Order:** The city's role as a geographical marker for the **border** `{{H1366}}` of Zebulun demonstrates the careful and orderly division of the land, affirming that each tribe received its designated portion according to a divine plan [[Joshua 19:11]].
* **Provision for the Priesthood:** As a Levitical city given to the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Merari** `{{H4847}}`, Jokneam exemplifies God's established system of care for the **Levites** `{{H3881}}`, who were set apart for sacred duties and had no separate tribal land inheritance [[Joshua 21:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3362}}` is not merely a place name but a point of reference in the history of Israel's formation. It represents the transition from a conquered Canaanite city to a landmark defining Israel's tribal geography. Its ultimate designation as a Levitical city embeds it within the sacred structure of the nation, illustrating the themes of divine conquest, orderly inheritance, and holy provision that are central to the book of Joshua.
TRV