Bozkath is a town mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the land of Judah. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua and the Book of 2 Kings, providing insight into its geographical and historical significance during biblical times.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:39 · Bozkath is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The verse states: "Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon." This placement situates Bozkath in the Shephelah, a region of lowland hills in Judah, indicating its role as part of the southern tribal inheritance.

2. 2 Kings 22:1 · Bozkath is indirectly mentioned in the context of King Josiah's lineage. Josiah, a reforming king of Judah, is noted to be the son of Amon and Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. The verse reads: "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath." This connection highlights Bozkath as the hometown of the king's maternal family, suggesting its continued habitation and significance during the monarchic period.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Bozkath's location in the Shephelah places it within a region known for its fertile valleys and strategic importance. The Shephelah served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands, often witnessing the movement of armies and trade routes. The mention of Bozkath alongside cities like Lachish and Eglon suggests it was part of a network of fortified towns that played a role in the defense and administration of Judah.

Archaeological Insights:

While Bozkath itself has not been definitively identified in modern archaeology, its association with known sites like Lachish provides clues to its possible location. Archaeological findings in the Shephelah have uncovered remnants of ancient settlements, fortifications, and artifacts that reflect the cultural and historical milieu of the region during the biblical era.

Theological Significance:

Bozkath's mention in the lineage of King Josiah underscores the interconnectedness of familial and tribal identities in the biblical narrative. Josiah's reforms and his commitment to the covenantal traditions of Israel are pivotal moments in the history of Judah, and Bozkath's inclusion in his genealogy highlights the town's contribution to the spiritual and political heritage of the nation.

In summary, Bozkath serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of locations and lineages that form the backdrop of biblical history. Its presence in the scriptural record, though brief, offers a glimpse into the life and times of ancient Judah, reflecting the enduring legacy of its people and places.Bozkath

(rocky height), a city of Judah in the lowlands (Joshua 15:39; 2 Kings 22:1)

BOZKATH

boz'-kath (botsqath, "stony"; Septuagint Basedoth): A town in the Shephelah of Judah named between Lachish and Eglon (Joshua 15:39). It was the birthplace of Adaiah the mother of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:1; the King James Version "Boscath"). The site is not identified.

1218. Botsqath -- a city in Judah
... 1217, 1218. Botsqath. 1219 . a city in Judah. Transliteration: Botsqath
Phonetic Spelling: (bots-cath') Short Definition: Bozkath. ...
/hebrew/1218.htm - 6kBozkath (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BOZKATH. ...Bozkath (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:39 Lachish,
Bozkath, Eglon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bozkath.htm - 7k

Jedidah (1 Occurrence)
... JEDIDAH. je-di'-da (yedhidhah, "beloved"): Mother of King Josiah of Judah, daughter
of Adaiah of Bozkath (2 Kings 22:1). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/jedidah.htm - 7k

Adaiah (8 Occurrences)
... who was one of the captains of hundreds associated with Jehoiada the priest in making
Joash king (2 Chronicles 23:1). (4) A resident of Bozkath, and father of ...
/a/adaiah.htm - 10k

Bozez (1 Occurrence)

/b/bozez.htm - 7k

Bozrah (9 Occurrences)

/b/bozrah.htm - 11k

Josi'ah (50 Occurrences)
... eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty and one years in
Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. ...
/j/josi'ah.htm - 21k

Jedi'dah (1 Occurrence)
... eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty and one years in
Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. ...
/j/jedi'dah.htm - 6k

Thirty-one (3 Occurrences)
... was eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty-one years in
Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. ...
/t/thirty-one.htm - 7k

Adai'ah (9 Occurrences)
... eight years old when he began to reign; and he reigned thirty and one years in
Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. ...
/a/adai'ah.htm - 8k

Eglon (13 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, (WEB KJV JPS
ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Judges 3:12 The children ...
/e/eglon.htm - 13k

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