The name Eglon (Hebrew: ‘Eḡlôn) is associated with both a powerful pagan monarch and a strategic royal city during the conquest of the Promised Land. The name is derived from the same root as Eglah, meaning “calf-like” or “chubby.”
1. Eglon, King of Moab
The most famous Eglon was the King of Moab who oppressed Israel for eighteen years during the period of the Judges. He is depicted as an instrument of divine judgment against Israel for their idolatry.
- The Oppressor of Israel: Because the children of Israel “did evil again in the sight of the LORD,” God strengthened Eglon against them. Eglon formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeated Israel, and took possession of the “city of palm trees” (Jericho).”And the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.” (Judges 3:14, KJV)
- His Physical Description: The Scripture uniquely notes that Eglon was “a very fat man” (Judges 3:17, KJV). This detail is not merely descriptive but serves as a key element in the narrative of his demise.
- The Assassination by Ehud: God raised up a deliverer named Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite. Under the guise of bringing a present (tribute), Ehud gained a private audience with the king in his “summer parlour.” Ehud declared he had a “message from God,” drew a two-edged dagger, and thrust it into Eglon’s belly. The king’s girth was so great that the fat closed over the blade, and he died in his private chamber.
2. The Royal City of Eglon
The name also refers to one of the royal Canaanite cities that opposed Joshua and the Israelites during the southern campaign.
- The Coalition Against Gibeon: Debir, the King of Eglon, joined a five-king confederacy led by Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem to attack Gibeon because the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel.
- The Defeat at Makkedah: Joshua defeated this coalition at Gibeon and pursued them. The King of Eglon was among the five kings trapped in the cave at Makkedah and subsequently executed.”And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it:” (Joshua 10:34, KJV)
- The Destruction of the City: Following the death of its king, the city of Eglon was utterly destroyed, and its inhabitants were put to the sword in accordance with the command of the Lord.
Historical & Theological Significance
Eglon, the king, serves as a stark illustration of the temporary nature of worldly power. Though he was “strengthened” by God to punish Israel, his power was easily overturned when the people cried out in repentance. His death by the “message from God” (the sword) symbolizes the judgment that eventually falls upon those who occupy the inheritance of God’s people.
Archaeologically, the city of Eglon is often identified with Tell el-Hesi, a site that shows evidence of significant fortification during the Bronze and Iron Ages, reflecting its biblical description as a “royal city.”