The Hebrew word ʻEglôwn, represented by H5700, is a proper name meaning vituline. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses. The name refers to two distinct entities in the biblical record: a Moabitish king who oppressed Israel and a place in Palestine conquered during the time of Joshua.
In the biblical narrative, H5700 is used in two key contexts. First, it names the king of Moab whom the LORD strengthened H2388 against Israel as a consequence of their evil Judges 3:12. The Israelites served H5647 this King Eglon for eighteen years Judges 3:14. The account specifically notes that Eglon was a very H3966 fat H1277 man Judges 3:17. Second, H5700 refers to a Canaanite city whose king, Debir, allied with four other Amorite kings against Gibeon (Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:5). This alliance was defeated by Joshua, who then captured the city of Eglon and utterly destroyed H2763 it, leaving no survivors Joshua 10:37.
Several figures and groups are directly connected to the narratives involving H5700 ʻEglôwn:
- H4124 Môwʼâb (Moab): King Eglon ruled over this nation, which the LORD used to punish Israel for their disobedience Judges 3:12.
- H164 ʼÊhûwd (Ehud): A left-handed Benjamite whom the LORD raised up as a deliverer H3467 to assassinate King Eglon and free Israel from Moabite oppression Judges 3:15.
- H567 ʼĔmôrîy (Amorite): The king of the city of Eglon was one of five Amorite kings who formed an alliance against Joshua and the Gibeonites Joshua 10:5.
- H3091 Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ (Joshua): As the leader of Israel, he led the campaign that defeated the Amorite alliance and subsequently conquered the city of Eglon Joshua 10:36.
The narrative role of H5700 is significant in two major historical periods of the Old Testament, illustrating themes of divine judgment, deliverance, and conquest.
- Instrument of Judgment: King Eglon of Moab serves as a direct instrument of God's discipline. The LORD himself strengthened H2388 Eglon to oppress Israel, demonstrating that God can use foreign powers to correct His people Judges 3:12.
- Recipient of Judgment: The city of Eglon and its king represent the Canaanite opposition to Israel's settlement of the promised land. Their defeat is part of the divine mandate for Joshua to take the land, culminating in the city being utterly destroyed H2763 and leaving none remaining H8300 Joshua 10:37.
- Oppression and Deliverance: The story of King Eglon highlights a recurring cycle in the book of Judges: Israel's sin leads to oppression Judges 3:14, their cry H2199 to the LORD leads to the raising of a deliverer Judges 3:15, and deliverance is achieved through God's intervention.
In summary, ʻEglôwn H5700 identifies both a person and a place central to key moments in Israel's history. As a king, Eglon embodies the consequence of Israel's sin and the target of God's deliverance through Ehud. As a city, Eglon represents the opposition that was overcome during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The dual use of this name highlights distinct periods of judgment and fulfillment in the biblical narrative.
TRV