עֲזֵקָה (a.ze.qah)
a.ze.qah
Azekah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Azekah, derived from a root meaning to dig or till, identifies a specific town situated in the Shephelah, the fertile lowlands of Judah. Its location made it a strategic point for controlling access between the coastal plains and the hill country, which explains its frequent mention in biblical narratives concerning territorial boundaries and military campaigns.
Scripture records Azekah seven times, primarily within the books of Joshua, Nehemiah, and Jeremiah. In Joshua 10:5-10, it serves as a key site where the Amorite kings unite their forces against Israel, leading to Joshua’s famous battle where the sun stands still. Later, in Nehemiah 3:10, its walls are restored by the sons of Hassenaah, marking its role in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem’s defenses.
As a place name, Azekah anchors the historical geography of Judah’s southern borders. It appears not merely as a dot on a map but as a witness to Israel’s struggles for security and restoration. The repeated references highlight how this single town was central to both the conquest era and the community’s return from exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Azekah was more than a dot on an ancient map; it was a vital stronghold in the fertile lowlands of Judah. Its name, linked to digging or tilling, reflects a place where people worked the earth and built defenses. In Joshua 10, we see this town as part of a major battle where God intervened with hailstones and confusion among enemies. It reminds us that our struggles often take place in real, tangible places, but God is present in those conflicts too.
Centuries later, after the exile, Azekah appears again in Nehemiah 11:30. The returned exiles encamped there as they rebuilt their lives and communities. This shows that restoration is not just about spiritual hope but also about physical safety and neighborly connection. Whether facing war or rebuilding walls, God’s people rely on His presence to secure their ground.
Today, Azekah invites us to trust God in our own 'lowlands'—the everyday places of work, family, and community. Just as Israel found victory and restoration through divine help, we can find peace knowing that God fights for us and restores what is broken. Let this history encourage you: your efforts, like those who rebuilt Azekah, are seen and blessed by the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azekah6×
- and/ Azekah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲזֵקָ֖ה4×
- עֲזֵקָֽה\׃1×
- עֲזֵקָ֔ה1×
- וַ/עֲזֵקָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:10
Yahweh confused them before Israel. He killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth Horon, and struck them to Azekah and to Makkedah.
This verse highlights Azekah as a site of divine intervention where God confused enemies during Joshua’s campaign.
-
I Samuel 17:1
Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephesdammim.
Here, Azekah marks the boundary where David faced Goliath, showing its role in pivotal moments of faith.
-
Nehemiah 11:30
Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, and Azekah and its towns. So they encamped from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom.
Azekah is listed among towns where exiles encamped during rebuilding, emphasizing community restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Azekah mean?
Why is Azekah mentioned so often in the Bible?
How does Azekah relate to David and Goliath?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 5 books)
Joshua 3 verses
Yahweh confused them before Israel. He killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the…
Joshua 10:11As they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth Horon, Yahweh hurled down great stones from the…
Joshua 15:35Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,