📖 Biblical Definition
The northernmost of the five great Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron), located in the coastal plain about 25 miles west of Jerusalem. Ekron features prominently in OT narrative: the captured Ark of the Covenant was sent to Ekron after disasters at Ashdod and Gath (1 Sam 5:10); David's defeat of Goliath caused the Philistine army to flee toward Ekron (1 Sam 17:52); King Ahaziah of Israel, after falling through a lattice, sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron (2 Kings 1:2-4), prompting Elijah's prophecy of his death. The name Baal-zebub (lord of flies, possibly a deliberate Hebrew satire of the actual Philistine deity name) later appears in the NT as Beelzebub, a name applied to Satan as prince of demons (Matt 12:24-27). Prophetic oracles against Ekron appear in Amos 1:8, Jer 25:20, Zeph 2:4, and Zech 9:5. Archaeology has identified Ekron with Tel Miqne, where extensive Philistine remains have been excavated.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Philistine city of Baal-zebub.
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The northernmost of the five Philistine cities; home of the false god Baal-zebub (lord of flies) whom King Ahaziah of Israel sent to consult instead of YHWH, drawing Elijah's rebuke and Ahaziah's death.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Samuel 5:10 — "Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out."
2 Kings 1:2 — "Ahaziah... sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease."
Amos 1:8 — "And I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Forgotten — but its idol Baal-zebub becomes the New Testament's Beelzebub, prince of demons.
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Baal-zebub of Ekron — Lord of Flies — became Beelzebub in the New Testament, ruler of the demonic realm. The Bible-historic name traveled. Read Ekron and Beelzebub together; the demonization of false gods continues.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Eqron.
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['Hebrew', 'H6138', 'Eqron', 'Ekron']
['Hebrew', 'H1176', 'Baal-zebub', 'Baal of flies']
Usage
"Ekron's idol haunts the New Testament."
"Beelzebub is Baal-zebub of Ekron."