Geographical Location:
Teko'a, often spelled Tekoa, is an ancient town located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 12 miles south of Jerusalem. It is situated near the wilderness of Judea, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding region. The modern-day site of Teko'a is identified with the village of Khirbet Tuqu'.

Biblical References:
Teko'a is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is first noted in the genealogies of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:24, where Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, is listed. The town is also referenced in 2 Samuel 14:2, where Joab sends a wise woman from Teko'a to King David to persuade him to reconcile with his son Absalom. This passage highlights the reputation of Teko'a for wisdom and counsel.

In 2 Chronicles 11:6, Teko'a is listed among the cities fortified by Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions. This indicates the town's strategic importance during the divided monarchy.

Prophet Amos:
Teko'a is perhaps best known as the hometown of the prophet Amos. Amos 1:1 introduces him as "one of the sheep breeders from Tekoa," emphasizing his humble origins and his role as a shepherd before being called by God to prophesy against Israel. Amos's background in Teko'a is significant, as it underscores the theme of God's calling of ordinary individuals to deliver His messages.

Military Significance:
The wilderness surrounding Teko'a served as a refuge and a place of military significance. In 2 Chronicles 20:20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah leads his army to the wilderness of Teko'a to face the Moabite and Ammonite coalition. This event is notable for Jehoshaphat's faith and the miraculous victory granted by God, as the enemy forces turned against each other.

Symbolism and Imagery:
Teko'a's geographical setting and its association with the wilderness contribute to its symbolic representation in biblical literature. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing, refuge, and divine encounter. Teko'a's proximity to the wilderness may have influenced the imagery used by the prophets, including Amos, who drew upon the natural surroundings to convey God's messages.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the broader cultural and historical context, Teko'a was part of the tribal inheritance of Judah. Its residents were likely involved in agriculture and pastoral activities, as suggested by Amos's occupation as a sheep breeder. The town's location on the edge of the wilderness also made it a point of transition between settled life and the nomadic existence of the desert.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological excavations at Khirbet Tuqu' have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era. These findings provide insights into the daily life, architecture, and fortifications of ancient Teko'a, corroborating its historical and biblical significance.

Legacy:
Teko'a's legacy endures through its association with the prophet Amos and its role in biblical narratives. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to use individuals from humble beginnings to fulfill His purposes and deliver His messages to His people.Teko'a (11 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her: 'I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead;
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 14:4
And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and prostrated herself, and said: 'Help, O king.'
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2 Samuel 14:9
And the woman of Tekoa said unto the king: 'My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house; and the king and his throne be guiltless.'
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2 Samuel 23:26
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite;
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1 Chronicles 2:24
And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephrath, then Abiah Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.
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1 Chronicles 4:5
And Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
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1 Chronicles 11:28
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite;
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2 Chronicles 11:6
He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
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2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said: 'Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.'
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Jeremiah 6:1
Put yourselves under covert, ye children of Benjamin, away from the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the horn in Tekoa, and set up a signal on Beth-cherem; for evil looketh forth from the north, and a great destruction.
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Amos 1:1
Words of Amos -- who hath been among herdsmen of Tekoa -- that he hath seen concerning Israel, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the shaking;
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Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
Teko'a. Tekoa, Teko'a. Tekoah . Multi-Version Concordance Teko'a (11
Occurrences). 2 Samuel 14:2 And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched ...
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Tekoah (3 Occurrences)

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Tekoa (12 Occurrences)

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