### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻEqrôwnîy**, represented by `{{H6139}}`, is a patrial term for **an Ekronite or inhabitant of Ekron**. It is derived from the city of Ekron `{{H6138}}` and appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term specifically identifies the people from one of the five major Philistine cities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6139}}` is used to identify a specific group of Philistines. In [[Joshua 13:3]], the **Ekronites** are listed as one of the **five** `{{H2568}}` **lords** `{{H5633}}` of the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` whose territory was **counted** `{{H2803}}` to the **Canaanite** `{{H3669}}`. Later, when the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` is **sent** `{{H7971}}` to Ekron, the **Ekronites** `{{H6139}}` **cried out** `{{H2199}}`, fearing that its presence was meant to **slay** `{{H4191}}` them and their **people** `{{H5971}}` [[1 Samuel 5:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the Ekronites:
* `{{H6138}}` **ʻEqrôwn** (Ekron): The city from which the Ekronites originate, defined as a place in Palestine.
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): The larger national and ethnic group to which the Ekronites belonged.
* `{{H5633}}` **çeren** (lord): The title of the Philistine rulers, with the Ekronites being one of the five ruling lordships mentioned in [[Joshua 13:3]].
* `{{H2199}}` **zâʻaq** (to shriek, cry out): This word describes the Ekronites' reaction of anguish and danger upon the arrival of the ark of God.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6139}}` highlights several key themes:
* **Philistine Political Structure:** The term identifies the Ekronites as one of the **five** `{{H2568}}` ruling Philistine lordships, providing specific detail about the confederation that opposed Israel. They are listed alongside the **Gazathites** `{{H5841}}`, **Ashdothites** `{{H796}}`, **Eshkalonites** `{{H832}}`, and **Gittites** `{{H1663}}` [[Joshua 13:3]].
* **Reaction to Divine Holiness:** The Ekronites' response to the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` demonstrates the terror that God's holy presence could inspire among pagan nations. They **cried out** `{{H2199}}` in fear of being slain `{{H4191}}`, recognizing the power of the **God** `{{H430}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Samuel 5:10]].
* **Geographic and Ethnic Delineation:** The mention of the **Ekronites** `{{H6139}}` in [[Joshua 13:3]] helps define the **borders** `{{H1366}}` of the Philistine lands which were **counted** `{{H2803}}` as part of the territory of the **Canaanite** `{{H3669}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6139}}` provides a specific identity for the people of Ekron. While appearing only twice, its use is significant. It defines the Ekronites as a key component of the Philistine political system and, more dramatically, portrays their fearful encounter with the ark of the covenant. This term offers a focused lens into the broader relationship and conflict between the people of Israel and the Philistine city-states.
TRV