Makkedah

MAKKEDAH (Μακηδά, LXX., Euseb.; Μακχιδά, Joseph.), a city of the Canaanites in the south part of the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15.41), governed by a sheikh. It was the first city taken by Joshua after the battle in Gibeon; and there it was that the five confederate kings were found hid in a cave, which was made their sepulchre after their executions (Josh. 10.16--28.) It is placed by Eusebius (Onomast. s. v. ) 8 miles east of Eleutheropolis. [BETHOGABRIS]