Eglon

The name Eglon, derived from the Hebrew root עֶגְלוֹן ('Eglon), carries the meaning of 'young bull.' This etymological link evokes imagery of strength, vitality, and prosperity, qualities often associated with bulls in ancient cultures. Historically, the name was applied to both a city and a person in the Old Testament, suggesting its significance in the biblical narrative. In its linguistic roots, the name ties to agrarian symbolism, reflecting the societies of the era where livestock represented wealth and sustenance.

The biblical characters associated with the name Eglon exhibit contrasting spiritual and cultural roles. The Divine Proximity Index of 87.9/100 suggests that the name is moderately associated with God's intervention in scripture, primarily through acts of judgment and deliverance. Similarly, the Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 emphasizes its connection to redemption narratives, particularly through Ehud's deliverance of Israel from oppression. Interestingly, rabbinic traditions hint at a redemptive lineage stemming from Eglon, as Ruth, his purported daughter, becomes an ancestor of King David and, by extension, Jesus Christ. This layered significance underscores the name's complex spiritual resonance, blending themes of judgment, redemption, and divine providence.

The name Eglon is prominently featured in two key biblical narratives. First, it appears as the name of a city in the western Shephelah that allied with four other Amorite cities to attack Gibeon but was ultimately conquered by Joshua (Joshua 10:3). This event underscores the city's role in the broader conquest narrative of the Promised Land. Second, Eglon is the name of a Moabite king who oppressed Israel for eighteen years during the period of the judges (Judges 3:12–25). His reign is marked by an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites and the capture of Jericho. The dramatic account of his assassination by Ehud, a left-handed judge raised by God, highlights themes of divine justice and deliverance. The story's vivid imagery, including the dagger being swallowed by Eglon's fat, serves as a stark reminder of God's intervention on behalf of His people.