### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tᵉqôwaʻ**, represented by `{{H8620}}`, identifies **Tekoa** (or Tekoah), a specific place in Palestine. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**, marking it as a location of significant prophetic, political, and strategic events in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical account, `{{H8620}}` is noted as the hometown of the prophet Amos, who was "among the herdmen of **Tekoa**" when he received his vision concerning Israel [[Amos 1:1]]. The town's strategic importance is highlighted when it is listed among the cities built and fortified by Rehoboam [[2 Chronicles 11:6]]. It also served as a critical signaling point, where Jeremiah instructed the children of Benjamin to "blow the trumpet in **Tekoa**" as a warning of impending disaster from the north [[Jeremiah 6:1]]. In another instance, Joab sent for a "wise woman" from **Tekoah** to influence King David [[2 Samuel 14:2]]. The name also designates the wilderness area where Jehoshaphat encouraged the people of Judah to believe in the LORD and His prophets to be established [[2 Chronicles 20:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the events associated with Tekoa:
* `{{H5349}}` **nôqêd** (herdman, sheepmaster): This describes the status of the prophet Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa [[Amos 1:1]]. It denotes an owner or tender of sheep or cattle.
* `{{H2450}}` **châkâm** (wise): This term describes the woman from Tekoa whom Joab fetched to speak to David. It refers to someone intelligent, skillful, or artful [[2 Samuel 14:2]].
* `{{H8628}}` **tâqaʻ** (to blow a trumpet): This is the action commanded to be performed in Tekoa as a warning of danger. It means to clang an instrument or blow a trumpet [[Jeremiah 6:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H8620}}` is demonstrated in its varied roles within scripture:
* **A Place of Prophetic Origin:** Tekoa is the home of the prophet Amos, grounding his powerful messages in a real-world setting known for its shepherds [[Amos 1:1]]. It is also the location where King Jehoshaphat delivered a crucial message of faith in God's prophets [[2 Chronicles 20:20]].
* **A Site of Strategic Warning:** Its location made it a key point for national defense and communication. It was fortified by a king and used as a place to sound a trumpet blast to warn of invasion ([[2 Chronicles 11:6]], [[Jeremiah 6:1]]).
* **A Source of Wisdom and Counsel:** Tekoa was known for its inhabitants, including the "wise woman" whose counsel was sought by Joab to resolve a matter of state with King David [[2 Samuel 14:2]].
* **A Marker of Lineage:** The name is integrated into the genealogies of Judah, with Ashur being named "the father of **Tekoa**," connecting the place to the foundational history of the tribes ([[1 Chronicles 2:24]], [[1 Chronicles 4:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8620}}` is far more than a geographical marker. It is a place woven into the fabric of Israel's history, serving as a backdrop for prophecy, military strategy, political intrigue, and genealogical identity. From the fields where Amos the herdman received his call to the ramparts where trumpets of warning were sounded, **Tekoa** stands as a testament to a small town's significant role in the larger biblical drama.
TRV