from עָזַק; tilled; Azekah, a place in Palestine; Azekah.
Transliteration:ʻĂzêqâh
Pronunciation:az-ay-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲזֵקָה (`{{H5825}}`, ʻĂzêqâh), transliterated as Azekah, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its etymology provides insight into its nature. The word is derived from the root עָזַק (`{{H5823}}`), which means "to dig around," "to cultivate," or "to till." Therefore, the name Azekah inherently suggests a place characterized by "tilled ground," "cultivated land," or perhaps even "vineyards." While its primary semantic function in the biblical text is to denote a specific city, the underlying meaning of cultivation hints at the agricultural potential or character of the region in which it was situated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Azekah appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently as a strategically important city in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean hills and the Philistine plain.
* **[[Joshua 10:10-11]]**: Azekah is first mentioned in the context of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. Following the defeat of the five Amorite kings at Gibeon, the Israelites pursued them to Azekah and Makkedah. Here, God intervened miraculously by casting large hailstones upon the fleeing enemy, demonstrating divine assistance in the conquest of the land. Its mention highlights its position as a key point in the pursuit route.
* **[[Joshua 15:35]]**: Azekah is listed among the cities in the tribal allotment of Judah, specifically within the fourth district of the Shephelah, alongside Zorah, Eshtaol, Zanoah, and En-gannim. This confirms its geographical location within Judah's inheritance and its status as a fortified city.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:1]]**: This is perhaps the most famous reference. The Philistines gathered their forces for battle against Israel, encamping between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim, in the Valley of Elah. This valley, with Azekah marking one of its strategic ends, became the stage for the iconic encounter between David and Goliath. The location underscores Azekah's significance as a border city, frequently a point of contention between Israel and Philistia.
* **[[Nehemiah 11:30]]**: After the Babylonian exile, Azekah is listed among the towns re-inhabited by the people of Judah, specifically those settling in the Shephelah. This indicates its continued importance and the re-establishment of Judahite presence in the region.
* **[[Jeremiah 34:7]]**: During the final Babylonian siege of Judah, Azekah is mentioned alongside Lachish as one of the last two fortified cities of Judah to hold out against Nebuchadnezzar's army. This attests to its strong fortifications and strategic military value, serving as a final bastion of resistance.
Across these occurrences, Azekah consistently emerges as a significant geopolitical marker, often a battleground, and a testament to its strategic location in the volatile Shephelah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻĂzêqâh (`{{H5825}}`) naturally connects to several related linguistic and conceptual fields:
* **Agricultural Terminology:** The root עָזַק (`{{H5823}}`), meaning "to dig around" or "cultivate," links Azekah to the broader theme of agriculture, land use, and the fertility of the Promised Land. This root is often associated with vineyards (e.g., digging a pit for a winepress or clearing stones for cultivation).
* **Geographical Features:** As a city in the Shephelah, Azekah is often mentioned in proximity to other key locations in this region, such as Socoh (`{{H7755}}`), Lachish (`{{H3923}}`), Gath (`{{H1661}}`), and the Valley of Elah. These interconnections define a crucial strategic and economic zone in ancient Israel.
* **Military and Fortification:** The repeated appearance of Azekah in contexts of warfare (Joshua's conquest, David and Goliath, Babylonian siege) links it to concepts of fortresses, battle lines, sieges, and strategic defense.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** Its inclusion in Judah's territorial allotment (Joshua 15) connects Azekah to the theme of the division of the land and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance.
### Theological Significance
Azekah, though a geographical place, carries significant theological weight through its various biblical appearances:
* **Divine Intervention in History:** In Joshua's conquest, Azekah serves as a backdrop for God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating His active role in fulfilling His promises to Israel and fighting on their behalf. The hailstones are a powerful symbol of divine power and judgment.
* **The Arena of God's Deliverance:** The Valley of Elah, marked by Azekah, is the site of David's triumph over Goliath. This narrative powerfully illustrates God's ability to use the seemingly weak and insignificant (David) to overcome the mighty (Goliath), thereby bringing glory to His own name. Azekah thus becomes a symbol of God's faithfulness to His people and His sovereignty over the outcomes of battle.
* **Resilience and Restoration:** Its re-inhabitation in the post-exilic period (Nehemiah) underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration, even after judgment. Azekah's re-establishment signifies the renewal of life and community in the land.
* **Consequence of Disobedience:** In Jeremiah, Azekah's fall to the Babylonians represents the culmination of God's judgment upon Judah for its persistent disobedience. Its final resistance, though ultimately futile, highlights the severity of the judgment and the end of an era for the southern kingdom.
* **The Land as a Stage for Divine Action:** The underlying meaning of "tilled ground" subtly connects Azekah to the broader biblical theology of the land of Israel as a sacred space, given by God, cultivated by His people, and serving as the primary stage upon which the drama of God's covenant relationship with humanity unfolds.
### Summary
ʻĂzêqâh (`{{H5825}}`), Azekah, is a prominent fortified city in the Shephelah of Judah, whose name likely derives from the concept of "tilled ground." Throughout the biblical narrative, Azekah consistently appears as a strategically vital location, marking key historical events from the conquest of Canaan to the final days of the Judean kingdom and its post-exilic restoration. Theologically, Azekah stands as a testament to God's active involvement in human history, serving as a site of miraculous divine intervention, a stage for iconic acts of faith and deliverance (such as David's victory over Goliath), and a symbol of both divine judgment and the enduring promise of restoration for God's people. Its story is interwoven with the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His sovereign rule over the land.
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