The Hebrew word ʻAkkôw, represented by H5910, is a place name defined as Akko. The name is believed to come from an unused root meaning "to hem in," likely describing its location on a bay. This word appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a specific location within the territory of Asher.
The sole biblical reference to H5910 is found in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The verse records a failure on the part of one of the tribes. Specifically, the tribe of Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Accho Judges 1:31. This mention places Accho on a list of cities whose original populations were not dispossessed by the Israelites upon entering the promised land.
Several related words are found in the same passage, providing a fuller picture of this event:
- H836 ʼÂshêr (happy): The tribe of Asher was descended from a son of Jacob and was assigned this coastal territory, but failed in its task to fully possess it Judges 1:31.
- H3423 yârash (to occupy, drive out): This verb describes the action that the tribe of Asher was meant to take against the people of Accho but did not. The failure to drive out the inhabitants is the central theme of the verse Judges 1:31.
- H3427 yâshab (to dwell, inhabit): This word identifies the people who were not driven out. The verse states that Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Accho, who were allowed to remain Judges 1:31.
- H6721 Tsîydôwn (fishery): Zidon is another prominent city listed alongside Accho whose inhabitants Asher failed to dispossess Judges 1:31.
- H392 ʼAkzîyb (deceitful): Achzib is also included in the list of cities that the tribe of Asher failed to conquer Judges 1:31.
The theological significance of H5910 is tied directly to its singular context of failure and incomplete obedience.
- Incomplete Possession: Accho serves as a concrete example of Israel's failure to fully drive out H3423 the inhabitants of the promised land, a direct contrast to God's command and promises to give them the land.
- A Lingering Presence: The failure to conquer Accho and its neighboring cities, like Zidon H6721 and Achzib H392, meant that foreign populations remained within Israel's allotted territory Judges 1:31.
- Tribal Responsibility: The mention of Accho is specifically linked to the tribe of Asher H836, highlighting the specific accountability of each tribe in the national conquest.
In summary, H5910 is more than just a geographical name; it is a symbol within the biblical narrative. Its single appearance in scripture marks a moment of disobedience, where the tribe of Asher did not fulfill its mandate to possess the land. Accho stands as a permanent scriptural reminder of the incomplete conquest and the consequences of failing to follow divine instruction.
TRV