### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Maqqêdâh**, represented by `{{H4719}}`, is a place name in Palestine meaning **fold**. It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Joshua. Its definition, from a root word associated with herding, suggests a place of enclosure or a pen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Maqqêdâh** `{{H4719}}` plays a pivotal role during Israel's conquest of the promised land. The location first appears as the endpoint of a chase where Joshua's forces pursued the defeated armies of the Amorite kings [[Joshua 10:10]]. Its significance escalates when five of these kings **hid** themselves in a cave at **Makkedah** [[Joshua 10:16]]. Upon their discovery, Joshua commanded his army to return to **Makkedah**, where he executed the kings and then captured the city, utterly destroying its inhabitants as he had done to Jericho [[Joshua 10:28]]. The site then served as a temporary camp for the Israelite army [[Joshua 10:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The events at **Makkedah** are illuminated by several key Hebrew words:
* `{{H2244}}` **châbâʼ** (to secrete; [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly): This describes the desperate action of the five kings who **hid** themselves in a cave at Makkedah to escape the Israelites [[Joshua 10:16]].
* `{{H4631}}` **mᵉʻârâh** (a cavern (as dark); cave, den, hole): This word identifies the specific feature of the landscape that the kings used for refuge, a **cave** which ultimately became their trap [[Joshua 10:17]].
* `{{H2763}}` **châram** (to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)): This verb defines the fate of the city. After executing the kings, Joshua **utterly destroyed** everyone in Makkedah, fulfilling the terms of the divine ban [[Joshua 10:28]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H4719}}` is centered on the themes of divine judgment and the certainty of the Israelite conquest.
* **Futility of Escape:** The attempt by the five kings to **hide** `{{H2244}}` in the **cave** `{{H4631}}` at Makkedah symbolizes the impossibility of escaping God's judgment. Their discovery `{{H4672}}` and subsequent execution demonstrates that no physical refuge can protect those whom the LORD has condemned [[Joshua 10:17]].
* **Fulfillment of Conquest:** The capture of **Makkedah** is a key event in the southern campaign. It is listed as one of the royal cities conquered by Joshua [[Joshua 12:16]] and is later included in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:41]].
* **The Law of the Ban:** The treatment of **Makkedah** and its king serves as a stark example of the law to **utterly destroy** `{{H2763}}` the enemies of Israel. Joshua’s actions are portrayed as direct obedience to the Lord's commands [[Joshua 10:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4719}}` **Maqqêdâh** is not merely a location but a symbol of divine retribution and military victory within the conquest narrative. It is the site where the leaders of the Canaanite opposition are found and eliminated, illustrating the biblical theme that God's judgment is inescapable and his promises of victory for his people are certain. The story of the cave at **Makkedah** serves as a potent reminder of this principle.
TRV