Bible Dictionary
DOK
Dok was a small fortress near Jericho, also called Dagon. Ptolemy son of Abubus used it as the place where he murdered Simon Maccabeus and two of his sons.
Definition
Dok was a small fortress, or little stronghold, near Jericho. It was also called Dagon.
Biblical Usage
Dok is mentioned in the account of the murder of Simon Maccabeus and two of his sons. Ptolemy son of Abubus entertained them there and then killed them.
Historical Background
Josephus places the site above Jericho. The name survives in Ain Duk, about four miles northwest of Jericho, where there are copious springs. Some nearby foundations may belong to the fortress, though they are more probably remains of a later Templars’ station.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dok (Dok, Dagon): A small fortress, "little stronghold" near Jericho (1 Macc 16:15), built by Ptolemy, son of Abubus, where he entertained and murdered his father-in-law Simon Maccabeus and his two sons. Josephus (Ant., XIII, viii, 1; BJ, I, ii, 3) calls the place Dagon and places it above Jericho. The name persists in Ain Duk with its copious springs of excellent water about 4 miles Northwest of Jericho. Some ancient foundations in the neighborhood are possibly those of Ptolemy's fortress, but more probably of a Templars' station which is known to have stood there as late as the end of the 13th century. For its importance in earlier Jewish history, see Smith, HGHL, 250, 251.</p><p>J. Hutchinson</p>