### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Lâkîysh**, represented by `{{H3923}}`, refers to **Lachish, a place in Palestine**. Its name is derived from an unused root of uncertain meaning. Appearing **24 times** across **22 unique verses**, Lachish is a historically significant city that features prominently in narratives of conquest, conflict, and prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Lachish** `{{H3923}}` is first introduced as a powerful Amorite royal city. Its king, Japhia `{{H3309}}`, joined a confederation of five kings to fight against Joshua `{{H3091}}` [[Joshua 10:5]]. After their defeat, the LORD `{{H3068}}` delivered **Lachish** `{{H3923}}` into the hand of Israel, and it was captured and its inhabitants were utterly destroyed ([[Joshua 10:32]], 10:35). Later, it became a fortified city in Judah [[Jeremiah 34:7]], and was the place where King Amaziah `{{H558}}` of Judah fled from a conspiracy and was slain [[2 Kings 14:19]]. The city served as the military headquarters for the Assyrian king Sennacherib `{{H5576}}` during his campaign against King Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` [[2 Kings 18:17]]. Centuries later, it was one of the last defenced cities to hold out against the Babylonian army [[Jeremiah 34:7]]. After the exile, it was resettled by the people of Judah [[Nehemiah 11:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key places, figures, and terms are closely associated with `{{H3923}}` in the biblical accounts:
* **Japhia** `{{H3309}}` (**bright**): The Amorite **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Lachish** who allied with four other kings against Joshua [[Joshua 10:3]].
* **Hezekiah** `{{H2396}}` (**strengthened of Jah**): The **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** who faced the Assyrian invasion which used **Lachish** as its military base [[2 Kings 18:17]].
* **Sennacherib** `{{H5576}}`: The **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Assyria** `{{H804}}` who laid siege against **Lachish** and sent his officials from there to **Jerusalem** [[2 Chronicles 32:9]].
* **mibtsâr** `{{H4013}}` (**a fortification**): This term describes **Lachish** as one of the last **defenced** `{{H4013}}` cities of **Judah** to remain against the army of **Babylon** [[Jeremiah 34:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding `{{H3923}}` carries significant theological themes:
* **Symbol of Divine Conquest:** During the conquest of Canaan, the LORD `{{H3068}}` **delivered** `{{H5414}}` **Lachish** into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Israel** [[Joshua 10:32]]. Its capture and the subsequent destruction `{{H2763}}` of its inhabitants demonstrates the fulfillment of divine judgment against the Amorite kingdoms [[Joshua 10:35]].
* **A Source of Transgression:** The prophet Micah identifies **Lachish** as "the **beginning** `{{H7225}}` of the **sin** `{{H2403}}` to the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of **Zion**," indicating its role as a point of origin for the **transgressions** `{{H6588}}` of **Israel** [[Micah 1:13]].
* **A Locus of Judgment:** The city is the setting for critical events in Israel's history. It is where King Amaziah `{{H558}}` is slain `{{H4191}}` after turning away from the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 25:27]]. It also serves as the stage where the might of Assyria confronts Judah, from which King Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` sends tribute [[2 Kings 18:14]] and from which the **Rabshakeh** `{{H7262}}` is dispatched to threaten **Jerusalem** [[Isaiah 36:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **Lachish** `{{H3923}}` is much more than a geographical location; it is a city with a rich and complex biblical history. From its origins as a royal Canaanite stronghold defeated by Joshua, to its role as a fortified Judean city, a staging ground for foreign invasion, and a prophetic symbol of sin, **Lachish** serves as a key landmark in the unfolding story of Israel's conquests, conflicts, and relationship with God.
TRV