from עָקַר; eradication; Ekron, a place in Palestine; Ekron.
Transliteration:ʻEqrôwn
Pronunciation:ek-rone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֶקְרוֹן (ʻEqrôwn), `{{H6138}}`, is a proper noun referring to the Philistine city of Ekron. Its base definition indicates derivation from the verbal root עָקַר (ʻāqar), `{{H6131}}`, which conveys the meaning "to root up, to pluck up, to eradicate, to hamstring." Therefore, the name ʻEqrôwn itself carries the etymological sense of "eradication" or "uprooting." While the word primarily functions as a geographical designator, its etymology provides a layer of prophetic significance, hinting at the city's eventual fate or character. The semantic range is thus confined to this specific place name, with its underlying meaning serving as an implicit commentary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ekron is prominently featured in the Old Testament as one of the five major Philistine cities (the "pentapolis"), alongside Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Gath. Its strategic location made it a frequent point of contention between Israel and the Philistines.
* **Territorial Allotment:** In [[Joshua 13:3]], Ekron is listed among the Philistine territories yet to be conquered by Israel. It is later assigned to the tribe of Judah ([[Joshua 15:11]]) and then to the tribe of Dan ([[Joshua 19:43]]), although the Danites struggled to dispossess its inhabitants. The account in [[Judges 1:18]] suggests a temporary capture by Judah, but this seems to be an isolated or partial victory given the ongoing Philistine presence.
* **Ark of the Covenant Narrative:** Ekron plays a crucial role in the account of the Ark of the Covenant's journey among the Philistines. After causing affliction in Gath and Ashdod, the Ark is brought to Ekron ([[1 Samuel 5:10]]). The people of Ekron are terrified and afflicted with tumors and death, leading them to demand the Ark's return to Israelite territory ([[1 Samuel 5:11]], [[1 Samuel 6:16-17]]). This narrative vividly demonstrates Yahweh's power over pagan deities and His ability to defend His holiness even among His enemies.
* **Conflict with Israel:** Ekron is mentioned as a Philistine stronghold to which their forces retreat after David slays Goliath ([[1 Samuel 17:52]]). It is also part of the territory that Samuel recovers from the Philistines ([[1 Samuel 7:14]]).
* **Pagan Worship:** In [[2 Kings 1:2-16]], King Ahaziah of Israel consults Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, regarding his recovery from an injury. This episode highlights Ekron's status as a significant center of pagan worship and underscores the spiritual dangers it posed to Israel.
* **Prophetic Judgment and Future Hope:** Ekron is a target of divine judgment in the prophetic books. [[Jeremiah 25:20]] includes Ekron in a sweeping prophecy of judgment against the nations, and [[Amos 1:8]] declares that the remnant of the Philistines, including Ekron, will perish. However, [[Zechariah 9:5]] and [[Zechariah 9:7]] offer a more nuanced prophecy: while Ekron will fall, a remnant of its people will be purified and integrated into Judah, becoming "as a clan in Judah." This suggests a future transformation and inclusion within God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻEqrôwn is enriched by understanding its connections to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **עָקַר (ʻāqar) `{{H6131}}`**: The verbal root, meaning "to root up, eradicate, hamstring." This etymological link provides a subtle but powerful foreshadowing of Ekron's eventual fate as a city destined for significant upheaval or destruction, aligning with prophetic pronouncements.
* **Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים `{{H6430}}`)**: Ekron's identity is inseparable from the Philistine people, who were persistent adversaries of Israel. Understanding their collective history and culture provides essential context for Ekron's role.
* **Baal-zebub (בַּעַל זְבוּב `{{H1176}}`)**: The specific deity worshipped in Ekron, as evidenced by King Ahaziah's consultation. This highlights Ekron's religious identity as a center of idolatry.
* **The Pentapolis**: The collective term for the five major Philistine cities, emphasizing their unified political and military power. Ekron was a vital component of this formidable confederation.
* **Unfulfilled Conquest**: Ekron's status as a city allotted to Israel but often remaining under Philistine control illustrates the challenges Israel faced in fully possessing the Promised Land and driving out its inhabitants, a recurring theme in Joshua and Judges.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Ekron holds several profound theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: The incidents involving Ekron, particularly the Ark narrative and the prophetic judgments, powerfully affirm Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those hostile to His people. He demonstrates His power over their gods and their political structures.
* **Consequences of Idolatry**: The account of Ahaziah consulting Baal-zebub underscores the severe consequences of turning away from the one true God to pagan deities. Ekron, as a hub of such worship, serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual dangers of idolatry.
* **The Struggle for the Promised Land**: Ekron's continued presence as a Philistine stronghold within the allotted tribal territories symbolizes the ongoing spiritual and physical struggle for the land and the challenges of complete obedience to God's commands regarding disinheritance.
* **Prophetic Judgment and Redemptive Hope**: While Ekron is consistently marked for judgment due to its idolatry and opposition to Israel, Zechariah's prophecy ([[Zechariah 9:7]]) introduces a remarkable element of future hope. It suggests that even traditional enemies, through divine purification, can be transformed and integrated into God's people, demonstrating the expansive and redemptive nature of Yahweh's ultimate plan.
* **The Resonance of a Name**: The etymological meaning of "eradication" for ʻEqrôwn subtly prefigures the city's eventual decline and prophetic doom, illustrating how God's purposes can be embedded even in the names of places and people.
### Summary
עֶקְרוֹן (ʻEqrôwn), `{{H6138}}`, is the Hebrew proper noun for the Philistine city of Ekron, one of the five major cities of the Philistine pentapolis. Its name, derived from a root meaning "to eradicate" or "to root up," subtly foreshadows its biblical narrative. Throughout the Old Testament, Ekron is portrayed as a significant Philistine stronghold and a center of pagan worship, notably to Baal-zebub. It features prominently in the Ark of the Covenant narrative, where it experiences divine judgment, and is a recurring point of conflict with Israel. Prophetic books like Jeremiah and Amos pronounce its destruction. However, Zechariah offers a unique perspective, envisioning a future where a remnant of Ekron's inhabitants will be purified and incorporated into the people of Judah. Thus, the study of ʻEqrôwn illuminates profound theological themes: God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, the severe consequences of idolatry, the complexities of Israel's possession of the Promised Land, and the surprising breadth of divine redemption that can extend even to former adversaries.
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