### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mâdôwn**, represented by `{{H4068}}`, is the name of a **place in Palestine**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies a specific Canaanite city-state mentioned exclusively in the context of the Israelite conquest under Joshua.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4068}}` appears when Jobab, the **king** of **Madon**, is summoned by Jabin, **king** of Hazor, to form a military coalition against the invading Israelites [[Joshua 11:1]]. The name is mentioned a second time in a list cataloging the Canaanite kings defeated by Joshua and the children of Israel, stating, "The **king** of **Madon**, one" [[Joshua 12:19]]. These passages establish **Madon** as a royal city within Canaan that opposed Israel and was subsequently conquered.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **Madon** appears:
* `{{H2674}}` **Châtsôwr** (village; ... Hazor): This is the name of the city whose **king** initiated the alliance that included **Madon** [[Joshua 11:1]]. Hazor was a prominent and powerful city, whose defeat was a significant event in the conquest.
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king; king, royal): This title is directly applied to the ruler of **Madon** in both of its biblical occurrences [[Joshua 11:1]]. This word is used throughout scripture to identify human rulers as well as the LORD, who is described as the **King** of Israel [[Isaiah 44:6]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H4068}}` contributes to broader biblical themes, particularly regarding the sovereignty of God during the conquest of Canaan.
* **Fulfillment of Divine Promise:** The defeat of the **king** of **Madon** is recorded as a historical fact, serving as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites [[Joshua 12:19]].
* **Alliances Against God's People:** Madon's participation in the northern Canaanite coalition represents a recurring theme of earthly powers uniting to oppose God's purposes [[Joshua 11:1]].
* **Sovereignty over Kings:** The narrative demonstrates the LORD's authority over all earthly rulers. While Jobab is called **melek** (king) of **Madon**, his defeat shows that the LORD is the true **King** over all the earth whose plan will prevail [[Zechariah 14:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4068}}` **Mâdôwn** is a geographical name whose significance is tied to its historical context. It is not a word with deep conceptual meaning but serves as a specific marker in the narrative of the conquest. Its inclusion in the biblical record highlights the scope of the opposition Israel faced and provides a concrete example of God's power to overcome earthly kingdoms in order to fulfill His promises to His people.
TRV