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H4068 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מָדוֹן
Madown
Proper Noun
Madon — a Canaanite city; also: habitation of judgment

Definition

From H1777 (diyn, to judge). Madon was a Canaanite city whose king joined Jabin of Hazor's coalition against Israel (Joshua 11). The name itself means 'place of judgment' or 'place of contention.' The root connection to diyn (to judge) makes the city's name prophetically fitting — it became a place where God judged the nations who opposed His people.

Usage & Theological Significance

The battle at Merom (Joshua 11) where Madon's king was defeated represents one of the great demonstrations of divine sovereignty in the conquest narrative. Despite a massive coalition of Canaanite armies — 'as many as the sand upon the sea shore' — God told Joshua, 'Be not afraid because of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel.' The city whose name means 'contention' discovered that to contend against God's purposes is futile. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: every Madown — every stronghold of opposition — falls before the advancing kingdom.

Key Bible Verses

Joshua 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon.
Joshua 12:19
The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one.
Joshua 11:6
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel.
Joshua 11:8
And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them.
Joshua 11:20
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly.

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