Azekah
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Azekah - dug over - a town in the Shephelah or low hills of Judah.
Azekah guarded the upper reaches of the Valley of Elah. It is identified with Tell Zakariyeh, about 26 km (16 mi) northwest of Hebron. Exavations reveal walls and towers at the place.
In the Bible, it is said to be the place where the Amorite kings were defeated by Joshua, and their army destroyed by a hailstorm. (Joshua 10:10, 11) It was given to the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:20,35)
In the time of Saul, the Philistines massed their forces between Sochoh and Azekah, putting forth Goliath as their champion. (1. Sa chapter 17) Rehoboam fortified the town in his reign, along with Lachish and other strategic sites. (2. Chr 11:5-10)
Lachish and Azekah were the last two towns to fall for the Babylonians before the overthrow of Jerusalem itself. (Jer. 34:6,7) It was one of the places re-occupied by the people on the return from the Captivity. (Neh. 11:30)
The remains of Azekah are within the national park - Park Britania.
