AZEKAH - A city in the 'lowland' (Shephelah) of Judah (Jos.15.33-35), identified with modern Tell Zakariyeh, overlooking the 'valley of Elah' (1 S.17.1f). It marked the limits of Joshua's pursuit of the five kings after his victory near Gibeon (Jos.10.10f). It was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Ch.11.9). With the exception of Lachish, it was the last Judaean stronghold to be captured by Nebuchadrezzar before the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. (Jer.34.7). In Lachish Letter 4, reference is apparently made to the cessation of fire-signals from Azekah, presumably an indication of its fall while Lachish still held out. Azekah and its villages were reoccupied by Jews after the exile (Neh.11.30). [Article: Dictionary of the Bible, J.Hastings, 2nd Ed., T&T.Clark, 1963. - F.F.B.] [Illustration: 'THE HOLY LAND - A Unique Perspective.' Photography & Satellite cartography - Richard Cleave. © 1993 Rohr Productions Ltd. Lion Publishing plc. (An excellent and entirely original Bible Atlas.)]
