### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Botsqath**, represented by `{{H1218}}`, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. Derived from a term meaning "a swell of ground," it is transliterated as both Bozcath and Boscath. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, making its mentions rare but specific.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1218}}` is used to identify a specific location within Judah. In the book of Joshua, it is listed as **Bozkath** among a group of cities that included Lachish `{{H3923}}` and Eglon `{{H5700}}` [[Joshua 15:39]]. Its other appearance, spelled **Boscath**, identifies it as the hometown of Jedidah, the mother of King Josiah `{{H2977}}`, who began to reign (`{{H4427}}`) in Jerusalem (`{{H3389}}`) [[2 Kings 22:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of **Botsqath**:
* `{{H2977}}` **Yôʼshîyâh** (Josiah): A king of Judah whose mother was from Boscath [[2 Kings 22:1]]. Josiah is remembered for his significant religious reforms [[2 Kings 23:24]] and for fulfilling a prophecy made against the altar in the house of David [[1 Kings 13:2]].
* `{{H3923}}` **Lâkîysh** (Lachish): A prominent city in Palestine that is listed together with **Bozkath** in the same verse [[Joshua 15:39]]. Lachish was a major fortified city and is mentioned in accounts of military campaigns by both Assyria and Babylon ([[Isaiah 36:2]], [[Jeremiah 34:7]]).
* `{{H5700}}` **ʻEglôwn** (Eglon): A place in Palestine also listed alongside Bozkath and Lachish [[Joshua 15:39]]. Eglon is also named as a city conquered by Joshua [[Joshua 10:36]] and as the name of a Moabitish king [[Judges 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1218}}` is tied directly to its two occurrences.
* **Royal Connection:** The most notable mention of **Boscath** links it directly to the royal line of Judah as the hometown of King Josiah's mother [[2 Kings 22:1]]. This connects a specific town in Judah to the central government in Jerusalem and to one of its most righteous kings.
* **Geographical Identity:** Its inclusion in the list of cities in Joshua provides a clear geographical marker, placing it within the territory of Judah alongside other known locations like Lachish (`{{H3923}}`) [[Joshua 15:39]].
* **Historical Context:** While not a major site of events, **Botsqath** serves as a contextual anchor, grounding the histories of the territorial allotment and the Davidic monarchy in the specific landscape of ancient Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1218}}` **Botsqath** is a place name that, despite its infrequent use, plays a distinct role in the biblical record. It functions as both a geographical point of reference in the tribal lands of Judah and as a biographical detail in the lineage of the important King Josiah. These two references secure its place in the historical and geographical tapestry of the Old Testament.
TRV