Ijon
“A ruin”
Summary
A fortified city in the northern territory of Naphtali, repeatedly attacked by foreign powers.
☩Location
Ijon was a city in the far north of Israel, in the territory of Naphtali. It was located in the fertile region near the sources of the Jordan, on the route from Damascus into Israel. The site is identified with Tell Dibbin or the nearby mound of Merj Ayun, north of the upper Jordan valley.
☩Foreign Invasions
Due to its location on the northern frontier, Ijon suffered repeated attacks. Ben-hadad of Syria conquered it during his invasion at Asa's request against Baasha of Israel. Later, Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria captured it along with other northern cities, deporting its population to Assyria. These invasions fulfilled the prophetic warnings of judgment on Israel.