The name Allon (Hebrew: Allown, meaning “oak” or “strong”) appears in the King James Version of the Bible in two distinct contexts: as a person in a genealogy and as a geographical landmark or location.
Allon: The Simeonite
The most definitive mention of Allon as a person is found in the genealogies of the tribe of Simeon. He is recorded as an ancestor in a line of prominent men who lived during the reign of King Hezekiah.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;” — 1 Chronicles 4:37 (KJV)
- Significance: Allon is part of a list of leaders, or princes, of the tribe of Simeon. The purpose of this genealogy is to trace the lineage of men who participated in an expedition to conquer and settle new pasture lands, demonstrating the ongoing history and territorial claims of the tribe centuries after the initial conquest of Canaan. The name, meaning “oak,” suggests an inherent symbolism of strength and endurance within this family line, echoing the enduring nature of God’s covenant promises to Israel.
Allon: The Geographical Landmark
The name Allon also appears in the Book of Joshua as a geographical marker defining the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. However, scholars and later translations suggest the word is not a proper place name but a description of a notable tree.
- The King James Version (KJV) Scripture:“And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:” — Joshua 19:33 (KJV)
- Meaning: Most modern translations render the phrase as “the oak in Zaanannim” or a similar variation. The Hebrew word is often interpreted as referring to a singular, prominent oak tree that served as a well-known boundary marker, reflecting the practice in ancient times of using large, permanent natural features to define territorial borders.
Prophetic Hotspot: The Permanence of God’s Boundaries
The use of the name Allon, meaning “oak,” as both a personal name and a territorial marker speaks to a profound biblical theme: permanence and faithfulness.
The oak tree is consistently used in Scripture (such as the “oak of weeping” or the “oaks of righteousness” in Isaiah 61:3) to symbolize strength, longevity, and a place of covenant encounter. In the context of Israel’s inheritance, the existence of a landmark like an “oak” that defines a boundary confirms the immutable nature of the land division established by God. This provides a type and shadow for the believer’s promised inheritance in Christ, which is fixed and cannot be moved, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for His saints at the Lord’s Return.
The Return Question: The Steadfastness of the Saints
Question for Discussion: The name Allon signifies the mighty oak—a symbol of deep roots and steadfast strength. In a world of shifting doctrines and spiritual compromise, how can believers, awaiting the Lord’s Return, ensure they grow into “oaks of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3), demonstrating the same enduring strength and permanence in their faith that the ancient oak tree represented as a steadfast boundary marker?