### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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