Tekoah, often spelled Tekoa, is a town of significant historical and biblical importance located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It is best known as the hometown of the prophet Amos, who was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The town is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, and its inhabitants are noted for their wisdom and strategic military contributions.

Biblical References and Context

1. Amos the Prophet: Tekoah is prominently associated with Amos, one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Amos 1:1 introduces him as a shepherd from Tekoah: "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel." Amos's prophecies are characterized by a call to social justice and a denunciation of the moral and religious corruption in Israel.

2. The Wise Woman of Tekoah: In 2 Samuel 14, Joab, the commander of King David's army, employs a wise woman from Tekoah to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. This narrative highlights the reputation of Tekoah's inhabitants for wisdom and eloquence. The woman presents a parable to David, which ultimately leads to Absalom's return to Jerusalem.

3. Military Significance: Tekoah's strategic location made it a site of military importance. In 2 Chronicles 20:20, during the reign of Jehoshaphat, the people of Judah gather at Tekoah to prepare for battle against the Moabites and Ammonites. The passage states: "Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, 'Listen to me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.'"

4. Prophetic Themes: The prophecies associated with Tekoah, particularly through Amos, emphasize themes of divine justice, the need for genuine worship, and the consequences of ignoring God's commandments. Amos's messages from Tekoah serve as a warning to Israel about the impending judgment due to their social injustices and idolatry.

5. Symbolic Representation: Tekoah symbolizes a place of divine calling and prophetic voice. The town's association with Amos underscores the biblical theme that God often chooses unlikely individuals from humble origins to deliver His messages. Tekoah's role in biblical narratives reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and His use of various means to accomplish His purposes.

In summary, Tekoah holds a multifaceted role in biblical history, serving as a backdrop for prophetic ministry, wisdom, and military strategy. Its legacy is preserved through the enduring messages of Amos and the narratives that highlight the town's significance in the unfolding account of God's people.Jeremiah 6:1
O you children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the middle of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appears out of the north, and great destruction.
Nave's Topical Index

Was Christ's a Real Death?
... and the fables they spread abroad concerning it. ... of Roman horse, to the village of
Tekoah, four or ... last verses, referred to the Old Testament prophecy, it does ...
/.../section 297 was christs a.htm

In Judaea
... shows what had been the popular interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy. ... the saying
which was told them concerning this child. ... [17] Such as Tekoah, Engedi, Ziph ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... 1: "Who was among the herdmen of Tekoah." If there ... that he possessed the gift of
prophecy, or held ... passage, is supposed to be conquered; concerning the latter ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

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