### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉgiddôwn** `{{H4023}}`, also rendered **Megiddo**, identifies a significant place in Palestine. Its base definition is "rendezvous" and it appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently refers to a specific geographic location known as a site for fortification, territorial disputes, and pivotal battles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4023}}` is presented as a location of strategic importance. King Solomon **raised** `{{H5927}}` a levy to build up the city as part of his major construction projects, alongside places like **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` [[1 Kings 9:15]]. It was located within the territory of Manasseh, but the tribe failed to drive out its Canaanite **inhabitants** `{{H3427}}` [[Judges 1:27]]. The location is frequently remembered as a battlefield. The **kings** `{{H4428}}` of Canaan **fought** `{{H3898}}` by "the waters of **Megiddo**" [[Judges 5:19]], and it was the site where two kings of Judah met their end. King Ahaziah fled to **Megiddo** and **died** `{{H4191}}` there [[2 Kings 9:27]], and King Josiah was slain at **Megiddo** by the king of Egypt [[2 Kings 23:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other locations and terms are repeatedly associated with **Megiddo**, helping to define its geographical and narrative context:
* `{{H8590}}` **Taʻănâk** (Taanach, Tanach): A place in Palestine often listed directly with Megiddo, both as part of Manasseh's territory [[Joshua 17:11]] and as the site where Canaanite kings **fought** `{{H3898}}` [[Judges 5:19]].
* `{{H1052}}` **Bêyth Shᵉʼân** (Beth-shean, Beth-Shan): Meaning "house of ease," this was another key city in the region that Israel struggled to conquer [[Judges 1:27]] and was part of Solomon's administrative districts along with Megiddo [[1 Kings 4:12]].
* `{{H2991}}` **Yiblᵉʻâm** (Ibleam): This city, meaning "devouring people," is also listed as one of the unconquered Canaanite towns [[Judges 1:27]] and was near the place where King Ahaziah was mortally wounded before he fled to Megiddo to **die** `{{H4191}}` [[2 Kings 9:27]].
* `{{H1237}}` **biqʻâh** (plain, valley): This term, meaning "a wide level valley between mountains," describes the terrain. King Josiah came to **fight** `{{H3898}}` in the "**valley** of Megiddo" [[2 Chronicles 35:22]], and a great prophetic **mourning** `{{H4553}}` is set in the "**valley** of Megiddon" [[Zechariah 12:11]].
### Theological Significance
The historical weight of `{{H4023}}` gives it significant thematic resonance, particularly concerning conflict and sorrow.
* **Decisive Conflict:** Megiddo is consistently a stage for critical military engagements. Its strategic location meant it was where the **kings** `{{H4428}}` of Canaan battled [[Judges 5:19]] and where the destinies of Judah's kings were tragically decided.
* **Site of Royal Demise:** The city is marked by the deaths of royalty. Both King Ahaziah [[2 Kings 9:27]] and the righteous King Josiah were slain there [[2 Kings 23:29]], making it a place of national trauma. Josiah's body was carried from **Megiddo** to **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` for burial [[2 Kings 23:30]].
* **Symbol of Great Mourning:** The sorrow over King Josiah's death at Megiddo became an archetype for profound national grief. The prophet Zechariah uses it as a benchmark, describing a future lament in **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` that will be as great as the "**mourning** `{{H4553}}` of Hadadrimmon in the **valley** `{{H1237}}` of Megiddon" [[Zechariah 12:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **Mᵉgiddôwn** `{{H4023}}` is far more than a geographical name. It functions as a historical "rendezvous" for some of Israel's most critical moments. From a fortified city built by Solomon to a site of military failure and success, its primary legacy is as a place of decisive conflict. The deaths of two **kings** `{{H4428}}` there cemented its association with tragedy, making it the ultimate symbol of intense **mourning** `{{H4553}}` within the biblical narrative.
TRV