Geographical Location:
Tekoa, also spelled Tekoah, is an ancient town located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 12 miles south of Jerusalem. It is situated near the edge of the Judean Desert, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding area. The modern-day site is identified with the Arab village of Khirbet Tuqu'.

Biblical References and Significance:
Tekoa is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is most notably recognized as the hometown of the prophet Amos. Amos 1:1 states, "The words of Amos, who was among the sheep breeders from 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."

Historical Context:
Tekoa was a fortified city during the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. In 2 Chronicles 11:5-6 , it is recorded, "Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up cities for defense in Judah. He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa..." This indicates its importance as a defensive site in the southern kingdom of Judah.

Cultural and Economic Aspects:
The region around Tekoa was known for its pastoral activities, particularly sheep breeding, which is reflected in the occupation of Amos. The area's terrain and climate were suitable for such activities, contributing to the local economy.

Notable Events and Figures:
1. The Wise Woman of Tekoa: In 2 Samuel 14, Joab, the commander of King David's army, employs a wise woman from Tekoa to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. Her account is a testament to the wisdom and rhetorical skill attributed to the people of Tekoa.

2. Prophet Amos: As a native of Tekoa, Amos is one of the earliest writing prophets. His prophecies, directed primarily against the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasize social justice and divine judgment. Despite his humble origins as a shepherd and fig tree farmer, Amos's messages are profound and impactful.

Archaeological Insights:
Excavations in the area have uncovered remains from various periods, including Iron Age fortifications, which align with the biblical account of Rehoboam's building activities. These findings provide tangible evidence of Tekoa's historical and strategic significance.

Theological Themes:
Tekoa's biblical narrative underscores themes of wisdom, justice, and divine calling. The wise woman of Tekoa exemplifies the use of wisdom to achieve reconciliation, while Amos's prophetic ministry highlights the call to righteousness and justice, transcending his humble beginnings.

Modern Relevance:
Today, Tekoa serves as a reminder of the rich biblical history of the region and the enduring messages of the prophets. It continues to be a site of interest for biblical scholars, archaeologists, and those seeking to understand the historical context of the Scriptures.Tekoa or Tekoah

(a stockade).

1. A town in the tribe of Judah. (2 Chronicles 11:6) on the range of hills which rise near Hebron and stretch eastward toward the Dead Sea. Jerome says that Tekoa was six Roman miles from Bethlehem, and that as he wrote he had that village daily before his eyes. The "wise woman" whom Joab employed to effect a reconciliation between David and Absalom was obtained from this place. (2 Samuel 14:2) Here also Ira the son of Ikkesh, one of David's thirty, "the mighty men," was born, and was called on that account "the Tekoite," (2 Samuel 23:26) It was one of the places which Rehoboam fortified, at the beginning of his reign, as a defence against invasion from the south. (2 Chronicles 11:6) Some of the people from Tekoa took part in building the walls of Jerusalem, after the return from the captivity. (Nehemiah 3:6,27) In (Jeremiah 6:1) the prophet exclaims, "Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem." But Tekoa is chiefly memorable as the birthplace (Amos 7:14) of the prophet Amos. Tekoa is still as Tekua. It lies on an elevated hill, which spreads itself out into an irregular plain of moderate extent. Various ruins exist, such as the walls of houses, cisterns, broken columns and heaps of building-stones.
2. A name occurring in the genealogies of Judah, (1 Chronicles 2:24; 4:5) as the son of Ashur. There is little doubt that the town of Tekoa is meant.

8620. Teqoa -- a city in Judah
... Tekoa, Tekoah. A form of taqowa'; Tekoa, a place in Palestine -- Tekoa, Tekoah.
see HEBREW taqowa'. 8619, 8620. Teqoa. 8621 . Strong's Numbers.
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8621. Teqoi -- inhab. of Tekoa
... NASB Word Usage Tekoa (2), Tekoite (3), Tekoites (2). Tekoite. Or Tqo iy
{tek-o-ee'}; patronymically from Tqowa'; a Tekoite or inhabitant of Tekoah -- Tekoite. ...
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Summary of the Book of Amos - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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