### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉshânâh**, represented by `{{H3466}}`, identifies a **place in Palestine**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name itself is the feminine form of a related Hebrew word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3466}}` is in a historical account of a military victory. During a war between the divided kingdoms, King Abijah of Judah pursued `{{H7291}}` King Jeroboam of Israel and took `{{H3920}}` several cities `{{H5892}}` from him. **Jeshanah** is listed among these captured locations, taken along with Bethel `{{H1008}}` and Ephrain `{{H6085}}`. The account specifies that each of these cities was captured "with the towns `{{H1323}}` thereof" [[2 Chronicles 13:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help define the significance of **Jeshanah**:
* `{{H29}}` **ʼĂbîyâh** (father (i.e. worshipper) of Jah): This was the king of Judah who successfully captured **Jeshanah**. The record states there was war between **ʼĂbîyâh** and Jeroboam [[2 Chronicles 13:2]].
* `{{H3379}}` **Yârobʻâm** ((the) people will contend): This was the king of Israel from whom **Jeshanah** and other cities were taken. He is associated with the sin of establishing golden calves in Bethel [[2 Kings 10:29]], which was another city captured in the same battle.
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to capture or occupy): This verb describes the action taken against **Jeshanah**. The text states Abijah "took" (`lâkad`) the cities from Jeroboam, signifying a successful military conquest [[2 Chronicles 13:19]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This noun categorizes **Jeshanah** as a guarded place or town. The narrative lists it as one of the "cities" `{{H5892}}` that changed hands during the conflict [[2 Chronicles 13:19]].
### Theological Significance
While the name **Jeshanah** itself does not carry explicit theological weight, its capture is part of a divinely significant event:
* **Divine Intervention in Battle:** The capture of **Jeshanah** is presented as a result of God's involvement. The narrative states that God `{{H430}}` smote Jeroboam and Israel before Abijah [[2 Chronicles 13:15]] and that the LORD `{{H3068}}` ultimately struck Jeroboam, leading to his death [[2 Chronicles 13:20]].
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The loss of territory, including **Jeshanah**, is directly tied to the reign of Jeroboam. His hand was famously dried up at the altar in Bethel `{{H1008}}`, one of the cities taken alongside **Jeshanah**, as a sign against his idolatry [[1 Kings 13:4]].
* **Territorial Victory as Judgment:** The successful pursuit `{{H7291}}` and capture `{{H3920}}` of **Jeshanah** serves as a tangible outcome of the conflict, demonstrating divine judgment against King Jeroboam's leadership.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H3466}}` **Yᵉshânâh** is a minor place name, its single biblical mention is significant. It serves as a geographical marker within a key historical conflict between Judah and Israel. The capture of **Jeshanah** is embedded in a narrative that illustrates divine judgment, the consequences of sin, and God's sovereign intervention in the affairs of the nation's kings.
TRV