from עֵגֶל; vituline; Eglon, the name of a place in Palestine and of a Moabitish king; Eglon.
Transliteration:ʻEglôwn
Pronunciation:eg-lawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5700}}` עֶגְלוֹן (ʻEglôwn) is derived from the root `{{H5695}}` עֵגֶל (ʻēgel), meaning "calf" or "young bull." The base definition of ʻEglôwn as "vituline" points to an adjectival quality related to a calf, suggesting "calf-like" or "pertaining to a calf." This etymology often implies a sense of robustness, plumpness, or even a "fattened" quality. In the context of a person, particularly the Moabitish king, this name likely alludes to his physical build, specifically his corpulence, as highlighted in the biblical narrative. For a place, the name might have referred to an area known for its livestock or a fertile region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻEglôwn appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts: as a geographical location and as a personal name for a Moabitish king.
1. **As a Place:** Eglon is identified as one of the royal cities of the Amorites in the Shephelah, a low-lying region in Judah. It is mentioned among the five Amorite kings who allied against Gibeon after Gibeon made a peace treaty with Joshua. Following the miraculous victory granted by God, Joshua captured Eglon, putting its king and inhabitants to the sword, as recorded in [[Joshua 10:3]], [[Joshua 10:5]], [[Joshua 10:23]], [[Joshua 10:34-36]]. It is subsequently listed as one of the cities whose king was defeated by Joshua ([[Joshua 12:12]]) and later assigned to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance ([[Joshua 15:39]]). The repeated emphasis on its capture and inclusion in the tribal allotments underscores its significance in the conquest narrative.
2. **As a Moabitish King:** The most prominent and detailed occurrence of ʻEglôwn is as the name of the king of Moab, who oppressed Israel for eighteen years during the period of the Judges. This narrative is found in [[Judges 3:12-25]]. King Eglon, described as "a very fat man" ([[Judges 3:17]]), formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites to conquer Israel, specifically seizing the "City of Palms" (Jericho). His oppressive rule led the Israelites to cry out to the Lord, who raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. Ehud famously assassinated King Eglon in his private chamber with a concealed dagger, the king's corpulence allowing the blade to be swallowed by his flesh ([[Judges 3:21-22]]). This act of divine judgment through Ehud liberated Israel from Moabite subjugation, leading to eighty years of peace. The detailed description of Eglon's physical state and his ignominious death serves to emphasize God's power to deliver His people from even the most formidable oppressors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is **`{{H5695}}` עֵגֶל (ʻēgel)**, the root from which ʻEglôwn is derived. ʻĒgel refers to a "calf" or "young bull" and is used extensively in the Old Testament for sacrificial animals, as a term of endearment, or notably, in the context of idolatry (e.g., the golden calf in [[Exodus 32]]). The connection between Eglon's name and "calf" subtly foreshadows his fate, as he becomes a "fattened calf" prepared for slaughter, a sacrifice to God's justice.
Other related concepts include:
* **Oppression and Deliverance:** Eglon's reign exemplifies the cycle of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, and subsequent deliverance by a divinely appointed judge, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges.
* **Moab:** The Moabites were perennial adversaries of Israel, often depicted as instruments of divine chastisement (e.g., [[Numbers 22-25]], [[Judges 3]]). Eglon's kingship represents a period of Moabite dominance over Israel.
* **Divine Justice:** Eglon's assassination by Ehud is not merely a political act but a divinely ordained execution, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His righteous judgment against those who oppress them.
### Theological Significance
The figure of King Eglon, particularly, carries profound theological significance. His very name, hinting at his corpulence, becomes a symbol of the excessive and self-indulgent nature of the oppressive power. Eglon's "fatness" can be seen as representing the Moabite king's prosperity and strength, which he used to subjugate Israel. Yet, this very characteristic becomes the means of his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that pride and power, when used for oppression, inevitably lead to divine judgment.
Eglon's death at the hands of Ehud is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His active intervention in human history. It underscores that God raises up deliverers in response to His people's cries, often using seemingly unlikely or unconventional means (a left-handed man, a concealed dagger, and the oppressor's own physical condition). The narrative of Eglon serves as a dramatic illustration of God's justice, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His unwavering commitment to liberate His people from bondage. It reinforces the theological message that no oppressor, however mighty or secure, can ultimately withstand the will of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5700}}` עֶגְלוֹן (ʻEglôwn), derived from עֵגֶל (calf), signifies "vituline" or "calf-like," often implying plumpness or robustness. This name is applied to both a significant city in the Shephelah, captured by Joshua and allotted to Judah ([[Joshua 10]], [[Joshua 12]], [[Joshua 15]]), and more famously, to the corpulent Moabitish king who oppressed Israel for eighteen years ([[Judges 3]]). King Eglon's excessive weight, implied by his name and explicitly stated in the text, played a pivotal role in his assassination by the divinely appointed deliverer Ehud. The narrative of Eglon's oppressive reign and dramatic demise serves as a potent theological statement about God's righteous judgment against oppressors and His steadfast commitment to delivering His people, often through unexpected means. The name itself, hinting at a "fattened calf," subtly foreshadows his role as a figure prepared for divine slaughter, emphasizing God's sovereign power over all earthly rulers.
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