Cun is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the context of King David's military campaigns. The reference to Cun is found in 1 Chronicles 18:8, which states: "From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a great quantity of bronze. Solomon later used it to make the bronze Sea, the pillars, and various bronze articles."

Historical Context

Cun is identified as one of the cities under the control of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah. Zobah was a significant Aramean kingdom located in the region of modern-day Syria. During the reign of King David, Zobah was a powerful entity, and its king, Hadadezer, was a formidable opponent. David's military campaigns against Hadadezer were part of his broader efforts to secure Israel's borders and establish dominance over neighboring territories.

Biblical Significance

The capture of Cun, along with Tibhath, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the extent of David's military prowess and the expansion of his kingdom. The acquisition of these cities contributed to the wealth and resources of Israel, as evidenced by the large quantities of bronze taken from them. This bronze was later used by Solomon, David's son and successor, in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The bronze Sea, pillars, and other articles crafted from this material played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of Israel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Cun in the biblical narrative underscores the theme of divine providence and blessing upon David's reign. The successful campaigns against powerful adversaries like Hadadezer are seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to David, ensuring the establishment and prosperity of his kingdom. The resources obtained from Cun and other conquered territories were instrumental in the building of the Temple, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Archaeological and Geographical Considerations

The exact location of Cun remains uncertain, as it is not mentioned in other historical records outside the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that Cun may have been situated in the region of northern Syria, consistent with the location of Zobah. However, without additional archaeological evidence, the precise identification of Cun is speculative.

Conclusion

While Cun is a relatively minor mention in the biblical narrative, its inclusion highlights the broader historical and theological themes present in the accounts of David's reign. The capture of Cun and the subsequent use of its resources in the construction of the Temple illustrate the interconnectedness of military, political, and religious elements in the history of ancient Israel.1. (v. t.) To con (a ship).

2. (v. t.) To know. See Con.

CUN

kun (kun, A, ek ton eklekton poleon, "from the chosen cities"): One of the cities of Hadarezer, king of Syria, spoiled by David (1 Chronicles 18:8, the King James Version "Chun"). In the parallel passage (2 Samuel 8:8) its place is taken by BEROTHAH, which see.

3560. Kun -- a city in Aram (Syria)
... 3559, 3560. Kun. 3561 . a city in Aram (Syria). Transliteration: Kun
Phonetic Spelling: (koon) Short Definition: Cun. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/3560.htm - 6k

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The presence of the evil spirits everywhere is shown, among other magical formulas,
by the incantation in Rawlinson, Cun, Ins. W. As., vol. ii. ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Cun (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To con (a ship). 2. (vt) To know. See Con. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CUN. ... Multi-Version Concordance Cun (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/cun.htm - 7k

Cummin (3 Occurrences)

/c/cummin.htm - 9k

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

/c/cunning.htm - 22k

Quantity (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:8 From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very
much brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the ...
/q/quantity.htm - 13k

Water-vessel (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:8 And from Tibhath and from Cun, towns of Hadadezer, David took
a great store of brass, of which Solomon made the great brass water-vessel and ...
/w/water-vessel.htm - 10k

Tibhath (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 18:8 From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very
much brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the ...
/t/tibhath.htm - 7k

Elam (24 Occurrences)
... scribe' reads Elam) The scene of the events of 1 Samuel 17:2, referred to also in
1 Samuel 21:9. There can be no doubt that this is the Wady ec Cun ("valley of ...
/e/elam.htm - 48k

Elamites (2 Occurrences)
... scribe' reads Elam) The scene of the events of 1 Samuel 17:2, referred to also in
1 Samuel 21:9. There can be no doubt that this is the Wady ec Cun ("valley of ...
/e/elamites.htm - 39k

Molten (41 Occurrences)
... The bronze from which it was made is stated in 1 Chronicles 18:8 to have
been taken by David from the cities Tibhath and Cun. It ...
/m/molten.htm - 22k

Berothah (1 Occurrence)
... According to 2 Samuel 8:8 it was a city of Hadadezer, king of Zobah. In the parallel
passage (1 Chronicles 18:8) Cun is given in place of Berothai. ...
/b/berothah.htm - 8k

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