Bible Dictionary
Ekron
Ekron was the northernmost of the five chief Philistine cities. Though allotted first to Judah and later associated with Dan, it returned to Philistine control and was known for the sanctuary of Baal-zebub.
Definition
Ekron was the northernmost of the five chief Philistine cities, situated in the lowlands north of Gath. It was assigned first to Judah and later associated with Dan, but it returned to Philistine control. The city contained a noted sanctuary of Baal-zebub.
Biblical Usage
Ekron was the last place to which the Philistines carried the ark before returning it to Israel. Its sanctuary of Baal-zebub was associated with later royal inquiry and prophetic condemnation.
Historical Background
The modern village Akir is identified with Ekron by the sources. Assyrian records mention its king in connection with Sennacherib and Hezekiah, and the city also appears in the Apocrypha as Accaron.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Firm-rooted, the most northerly of the five towns belonging to the lords of the Philistines, about 11 miles north of Gath. It was assigned to Judah (Josh. 13:3), and afterwards to Dan (19:43), but came again into the full possession of the Philistines (1 Sam. 5:10). It was the last place to which the Philistines carried the ark before they sent it back to Israel (1 Sam. 5:10; 6:1-8). There was here a noted sanctuary of Baal-zebub (2 Kings 1: 2, 3, 6, 16). Now the small village Akir. It is mentioned on monuments in B.C. 702, when Sennacherib set free its king, imprisoned by Hezekiah in Jerusalem, according to the Assyrian record.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(torn up by the roots; emigration), one of the five towns belonging to the lords of the Philistines, and the most northerly of the five. (Joshua 13:3) Like the other Philistine cities its situation was in the lowlands. It fell to the lot of Judah. (Joshua 15:45,46; Judges 1:18) Afterwards we find it mentioned among the cities of Dan. (Joshua 19:43) Before the monarchy it was again in full possession of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 5:10) Akir, the modern representative of Ekron, lies about five miles southwest of Ramleh . In the Apocrypha it appears as Accaron. 1Macc 10:89 only.