Biblical References:
I'jon is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the historical books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. The references to I'jon can be found in 1 Kings 15:20 and 2 Kings 15:29.

Geographical Location:
I'jon was a city located in the northern part of the ancient Kingdom of Israel. It was situated in the region of Naphtali, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The city was part of a strategic area that included other significant locations such as Dan and Abel-beth-maacah.

Historical Context:
I'jon is first mentioned in the context of the conflict between Asa, the king of Judah, and Baasha, the king of Israel. In 1 Kings 15:20, we read about the intervention of Ben-hadad, the king of Aram (Syria), who, at the request of Asa, attacked the northern territories of Israel, including I'jon: "So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinnereth, as far as Naphtali."

Later, I'jon is mentioned again during the reign of Pekah, king of Israel. In 2 Kings 15:29, the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III invaded Israel and captured several cities, including I'jon: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he took the people to Assyria."

Significance:
The capture of I'jon by foreign powers highlights the vulnerability and political instability of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. The city's repeated mention in the context of military campaigns underscores its strategic importance in the region. The invasions by both the Arameans and the Assyrians reflect the broader geopolitical struggles that affected Israel and Judah, as they were caught between larger empires seeking to expand their influence.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying I'jon has not been conclusively discovered, the general area of its location has been subject to archaeological interest. The region of Naphtali, with its rich history and numerous ancient sites, continues to be a focus for researchers seeking to understand the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Theological Reflection:
The accounts involving I'jon serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the failure to trust in God's protection. The Northern Kingdom's alliances with foreign powers and its departure from the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh led to its eventual downfall. The biblical narrative consistently points to the importance of reliance on God rather than on political or military alliances.I'jon (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel Beth Maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 16:4
Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.
(See RSV)

I'jon (2 Occurrences)
I'jon. Ijon, I'jon. Ikkesh . Multi-Version Concordance I'jon (2 Occurrences).
2 Kings 15:29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel ...
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Ijon (3 Occurrences)
... IJON. i'-jon (`iyon; Septuagint in Kings has Ain, or Nain; in Chronicles Ion; Aion):
A town in the territory of Naphtali, first mentioned in connection with the ...
/i/ijon.htm - 8k

Ikkesh (3 Occurrences)

/i/ikkesh.htm - 7k

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