or יַהְצָה; or (feminine) יַהְצָה; from an unused root meaning to stamp; perhaps threshing-floor; Jahats or Jahtsah, a place East of the Jordan; Jahaz, Jahazah, Jahzah.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yahats**, represented by `{{H3096}}`, identifies a place located East of the Jordan. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses**, with its spelling varying as Jahaz, Jahazah, or Jahzah. The name is derived from an unused root meaning to stamp, perhaps suggesting a threshing-floor. Primarily, it functions as a specific geographical marker in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3096}}` is first presented as the location of a pivotal battle. Sihon, king of the Amorites, refused to let Israel pass through his territory, gathered his people, and went out to fight against them at Jahaz ([[Numbers 21:23]], [[Deuteronomy 2:32]]). After Israel's victory, Jahazah was allotted as a city within the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben [[Joshua 13:18]]. Later, it was designated as a Levitical city, given from Reuben's territory with its suburbs ([[Joshua 21:36]], [[1 Chronicles 6:78]]). The location also features in prophecies of judgment, where its name is invoked among cities that will experience desolation and from which a cry of anguish will be heard ([[Isaiah 15:4]], [[Jeremiah 48:34]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events and status of Jahaz:
* `{{H5511}}` **Çîychôwn** (Sihon): The Amoritish king who confronted Israel. He **gathered** `{{H622}}` all his **people** `{{H5971}}` and **pitched** `{{H2583}}` in **Jahaz** `{{H3096}}` to **fight** `{{H3898}}` against Israel [[Judges 11:20]].
* `{{H7205}}` **Rᵉʼûwbên** (Reuben): The Israelite tribe from whose territory **Jahazah** `{{H3096}}` was given as a city with its **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` [[Joshua 21:36]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This term describes the open lands surrounding the city that were included when **Jahzah** `{{H3096}}` was given to the Levites out of the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of Reuben [[1 Chronicles 6:78]].
* `{{H2199}}` **zâʻaq** (to shriek): A word used to describe the **cry** that will be **heard** `{{H8085}}` from Heshbon and Elealeh even to **Jahaz** `{{H3096}}` in a prophecy against Moab [[Isaiah 15:4]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3096}}` is rooted in its role in Israel's history and prophecy.
* **Site of a Decisive Battle:** Jahaz is the setting for a key military victory for Israel over **Sihon** `{{H5511}}` king of the Amorites, who came out to **fight** `{{H4421}}` against them there [[Deuteronomy 2:32]].
* **A Levitical City:** After the conquest, the city, referred to as **Jahzah** `{{H3096}}`, was formally integrated into Israel's tribal and religious structure when it was given from the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}` as a city for the Levites [[1 Chronicles 6:78]].
* **A Subject of Prophetic Judgment:** Jahaz is named in prophecies against Moab, where it is listed among the cities of the **plain** `{{H4334}}` country upon which **judgment** `{{H4941}}` would **come** `{{H935}}` [[Jeremiah 48:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3096}}` is more than just a name on a map; it is a location with a distinct narrative arc. It is introduced as a place of conflict and a symbol of God's provision for Israel in battle. Subsequently, it is absorbed into the fabric of the nation as a Levitical city, a place of dwelling and worship. Finally, it serves as a geographical touchstone in prophetic warnings, representing a place that will face divine judgment. The history of Jahaz illustrates how a location can be a focal point for warfare, settlement, and prophetic declaration.
TRV