### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma תְּקוֹעַ (Teqoa, `{{H8620}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is a form of תָּקוֹעַ, referring to a specific town in ancient Palestine. While a proper noun does not possess a broad semantic range in the same way a common noun or verb does, its etymological root offers insight into its potential naming. It is likely derived from the verb תָּקַע (taqa', `{{H8628}}`), which means "to strike, clap, blow (a trumpet), thrust, or pitch (a tent)." Thus, the name "Teqoa" could signify "a pitching" (as in pitching tents), "a driving in" (of stakes), or even "a sounding" (as of a trumpet), perhaps alluding to its elevated position or its use as a signal point. As a place name, its meaning is fixed to its identity as a specific location with associated historical, social, and prophetic significance within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Teqoa is consistently identified as a town in the region of Judah, located south of Jerusalem in the Judean wilderness. Its biblical occurrences reveal its strategic importance and its connection to key individuals and events:
* **[[2 Samuel 14:2]]**: Joab, David's commander, sends for "a wise woman from Tekoa" to speak to King David on behalf of Absalom. This suggests Teqoa may have had a reputation for wisdom or, at least, was a place from which a suitable, discreet individual could be found.
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:24]] and [[1 Chronicles 4:5]]**: Teqoa is mentioned in the genealogies of Judah, specifically associated with Ashhur, "the father of Tekoa," indicating its establishment within a particular lineage of the tribe.
* **[[2 Chronicles 11:6]]**: King Rehoboam, after the division of the kingdom, fortifies Teqoa as one of his strategic defense cities in Judah. This highlights its significant geographical position, likely on a high point overlooking approaches to Jerusalem from the south.
* **[[2 Chronicles 20:20]]**: King Jehoshaphat leads the people of Judah out into "the wilderness of Tekoa" to confront the invading armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. This location becomes the site of a miraculous divine victory, where the enemies turn on each other.
* **[[Jeremiah 6:1]]**: The prophet Jeremiah issues a warning: "Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a signal fire on Beth Hakkerem!" This verse underscores Teqoa's role as a high, visible point, suitable for issuing urgent warnings or signals of impending danger, likely due to its elevation and proximity to the wilderness.
* **[[Amos 1:1]]**: The prophet Amos is famously identified as being "among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa." This establishes his humble, pastoral origins and firmly links him to this specific region, which was known for its rugged terrain suitable for sheep herding. This detail provides crucial context for understanding Amos's background and the authenticity of his prophetic call.
* **[[Nehemiah 3:5]] and [[Nehemiah 3:27]]**: The men of Teqoa participate in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. Interestingly, [[Nehemiah 3:5]] notes that "their nobles did not put their necks to the work of their Lord," while [[Nehemiah 3:27]] mentions that another group from Teqoa repaired a different section, indicating varying levels of commitment within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Teqoa (`{{H8620}}`) is to the verbal root תָּקַע (taqa', `{{H8628}}`), which signifies "to strike, blow (a trumpet), thrust, or pitch." This connection subtly imbues the place name with connotations of a fixed point, a place from which a sound or signal might emanate, or even a place of settlement.
Concepts related to Teqoa include:
* **Wilderness of Judah**: Teqoa's location in this wilderness (e.g., [[2 Chronicles 20:20]]) connects it to a broader biblical theme of the wilderness as a place of testing, divine encounter, and refuge.
* **Prophetic Origin**: The association with Amos (`{{H531}}`) firmly links Teqoa to the concept of God raising prophets from unexpected, humble backgrounds, challenging conventional notions of prophetic authority.
* **Strategic Fortification**: Its inclusion in Rehoboam's fortified cities (`{{H2388}}`, "fortified," from בָּצַר - batzar) highlights its military and defensive significance in ancient Judah.
* **Divine Deliverance**: The miraculous victory in the wilderness of Teqoa (`{{H3444}}`, "salvation," from יָשַׁע - yasha') establishes it as a site of God's powerful intervention on behalf of His people.
* **Warning and Vigilance**: Jeremiah's use of "blowing the trumpet in Tekoa" (`{{H7782}}`, "trumpet," from שֹׁפָר - shofar) connects it to themes of divine warning and the need for spiritual alertness.
### Theological Significance
Teqoa, though a geographical location, carries profound theological weight within the biblical narrative:
* **God's Choice of the Humble**: The most prominent theological significance of Teqoa is its connection to the prophet Amos. God's call to Amos, a "sheepbreeder" from this relatively obscure town, demonstrates His sovereign choice of individuals from all walks of life and from seemingly insignificant places to be His messengers (cf. [[1 Corinthians 1:27-28]]). It underscores that divine revelation is not confined to the elite or the established religious institutions but can emerge from the most unexpected quarters.
* **Divine Intervention and Trust**: The wilderness of Teqoa serves as a powerful backdrop for God's miraculous deliverance of Judah under King Jehoshaphat. This event (recorded in [[2 Chronicles 20]]) illustrates the principle that when God's people rely on Him in faith, He fights their battles and grants victory, often in unexpected ways and in desolate places. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to overcome overwhelming odds.
* **A Place of Warning and Vigilance**: Jeremiah's prophetic call to "blow the trumpet in Tekoa" (`{{H8620}}`) transforms the town into a symbol of a watchtower—a place from which urgent divine warnings are issued. It signifies the responsibility of God's people to be alert to His word and to discern the signs of the times, particularly in the face of impending judgment.
* **Community and Responsibility**: The participation of the men of Teqoa in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls highlights the communal effort required in God's redemptive plan. While some, like the nobles, may falter in their commitment, the faithful service of others from Teqoa underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to the work of the Lord.
### Summary
Teqoa (`{{H8620}}`) is a significant biblical place name, a town located in the wilderness of Judah. Its name, possibly derived from a root meaning "to pitch" or "to sound," hints at its rugged terrain and strategic elevation. Biblically, Teqoa is notable for several key associations: it was home to a wise woman sought by Joab, a fortified city under Rehoboam, the site of Jehoshaphat's miraculous victory, a strategic point for Jeremiah's prophetic warnings, and most significantly, the hometown of the prophet Amos. Theologically, Teqoa profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice of humble individuals from unexpected places for His divine purposes. It also stands as a testament to God's powerful intervention and deliverance for those who trust Him, and it serves as a symbolic location from which divine warnings and calls to vigilance are issued. The town of Teqoa, therefore, transcends its geographical coordinates to embody themes of divine providence, humility, faithfulness, and the authenticity of God's messengers.
TRV