מָדוֹן (ma.don)
ma.don
Madon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Madon identifies a significant Canaanite royal city mentioned in the book of Joshua. Its name translates to "strife" or "contention," a fitting label for a location that became a focal point of military conflict during Israel’s conquest of the land.
Madon is best known as one of the principal cities that joined King Jabin of Hazor in a coalition against Joshua. This alliance gathered forces from across northern Canaan to confront the Israelites at the waters of Merom, resulting in a decisive defeat for the confederate armies. The city’s name serves as a historical marker for this specific confrontation.
Although the word appears only twice in Scripture, its occurrence in Joshua 11:1 and 12:19 anchors it firmly in the narrative of Israel’s military campaigns. The text uses Madon to illustrate the scope of the opposition faced by Joshua, highlighting a major strategic victory that secured the northern territories for Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Madon means 'strife' or 'contention,' reflecting a time when Israel faced a united front of northern kings determined to stop their progress. This single word anchors us in the reality that following God’s call often meets significant resistance. The coalition gathered against Joshua reminds us that spiritual battles are rarely fought alone, but they are also never lost when God is with His people.
Seeing how this 'strife' ended in victory offers hope for our own seasons of conflict. We do not face opposition by our own strength but rely on the same faithfulness that secured the land for Israel. When challenges feel overwhelming, remember that God has already won the ultimate battle, and He walks with us through every contention we face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Madon2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָדוֹן֙1×
- מָד֔וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 11:1
When Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph,
This verse shows Madon as a political hub where King Jobab joined other rulers to form a military alliance against Israel.
-
Joshua 12:19
the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;
Here the text lists the defeated king of Madon, confirming that the city’s resistance was fully overcome and its territory secured.