Jokneam
“The people will be purchased or possessed by the people”
Summary
A royal Canaanite city in the territory of Zebulun, near Mount Carmel, later allotted to the Merarite Levites.
☩Location and History
Jokneam was a Canaanite city whose king Joshua defeated during the conquest. It was located at the eastern slope of Mount Carmel, in the territory allotted to Zebulun, with the torrent bed of the Kishon running to the east. The city was allotted to the Merarite Levites as one of their cities. The site is identified with Tell Kaimun (or Tell Keimun), a striking mound commanding the valley, with fine springs at its foot.
☩Later History
The Crusaders called this site 'Mons Cain' (Mount Cain), based on a mistaken derivation of the name, giving rise to a legend that Cain was slain here by Lamech with an arrow. The Samaritans had their own tradition that Joshua was enclosed here by giants within seven walls of iron until he was rescued.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jokneam," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Jokneam," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jokneam," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).