Me-Jarkon
Me-Jarkon is a biblical place-name in the boundary description of Dan’s territory. Its exact location is uncertain, but it was apparently near the Mediterranean coast in the region allotted to Dan.
At a Glance
Biblical place-name in Dan’s allotment.
Exact location: uncertain.
Main significance: part of Israel’s recorded tribal boundaries.
Key Points
- Appears in the boundary list for Dan
- Location is not securely identified
- Important mainly for biblical geography and tribal allotment
Description
Me-Jarkon is a biblical place-name mentioned in the territorial boundary list for the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:46). The text names it alongside other boundary markers, but it does not provide enough detail for a secure modern identification. For that reason, its exact location remains uncertain, though it is generally understood as belonging to the coastal or lowland edge of Dan’s inheritance. The term is significant primarily for biblical geography and for the historical record of Israel’s land allotment rather than for any distinct doctrinal teaching.
Biblical Context
In Joshua 19, the land inheritance of the tribe of Dan is described by boundary points and towns. Me-Jarkon appears near the end of that list, helping define the limits of Dan’s territory. The passage emphasizes the ordered distribution of the land among the tribes under God’s covenant arrangement.
Historical Context
The territorial notices in Joshua reflect Israel’s settlement in the land and preserve ancient geographic markers that were important for tribal identity and inheritance. Because Me-Jarkon is otherwise obscure, historians can only place it generally within the region of Dan’s coastal boundary area.
Jewish and Ancient Context
Ancient readers would have understood Me-Jarkon as one of several boundary markers in the tribal allotments, not as a site with independent theological significance. Such names helped preserve the memory of Israel’s inherited land and the boundaries established in the conquest period.
Primary Key Texts
- Joshua 19:46
Original Language Note
The Hebrew place-name is preserved in transliterated form, but its exact meaning is uncertain.
Theological Significance
Me-Jarkon itself does not teach a distinct doctrine. Its significance lies in showing the concreteness of Israel’s land inheritance and the faithfulness of God in giving the tribes their appointed portions.
Philosophical Explanation
This entry is a matter of historical geography rather than abstract theology. Its value comes from locating the biblical narrative in real places and reminding readers that Scripture presents covenant history in identifiable space and time.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not overstate confidence about the site’s modern identification. The biblical text names Me-Jarkon, but the evidence is too limited for a certain location. It should be treated as a geographic marker in Dan’s boundary list.
Major Views
Most interpreters agree that Me-Jarkon is a place-name within Dan’s territorial description. The main difference of opinion concerns its exact identification and whether it should be located more specifically on the coastal plain or in the surrounding lowlands.
Doctrinal Boundaries
This entry should remain within biblical geography. It should not be used to build doctrine beyond the general truth that God ordered Israel’s inheritance and preserved the record of the land allotments.
Practical Significance
Me-Jarkon reminds Bible readers that Scripture is rooted in real places and historical details. Even obscure names contribute to the reliability and concreteness of the biblical record.
Related Entries
- Dan
- Joshua
- Joppa
- Rakkon
- Tribal allotments
See Also
- Dan’s inheritance
- Joshua 19
- biblical geography
- tribal boundaries