Boscath
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Overview:
Boscath, also spelled Bozkath, is a town mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is located in the territory of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The town is noted for its association with certain biblical figures and events, particularly during the period of the kings of Judah.

Biblical References:
Boscath is mentioned in the context of the genealogies and historical narratives of the Old Testament. The primary reference to Boscath is found in the Book of 2 Kings:

· 2 Kings 22:1: "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 passage highlights Boscath as the hometown of Jedidah, the mother of King Josiah, one of the most notable kings of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Boscath was situated in the lowland region of Judah, an area characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys. This region was strategically important due to its proximity to major trade routes and its agricultural potential. The exact location of Boscath is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been near the Shephelah, the lowland area between the central highlands and the coastal plain.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The mention of Boscath in the genealogy of King Josiah underscores its significance in the biblical narrative. Josiah is remembered for his commitment to the covenant with God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. The reforms he implemented were pivotal in the religious history of Israel, as he sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate pagan practices.

Boscath's inclusion in the biblical text, though brief, connects it to the broader narrative of Judah's kings and their relationship with God. The town's mention in the lineage of a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:2) suggests its role in the unfolding account of God's covenant people.

Archaeological Insights:
While Boscath itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeological studies, the region of the Shephelah has been extensively excavated, revealing insights into the life and culture of ancient Judah. These findings provide context for understanding the environment in which towns like Boscath existed and the challenges they faced from neighboring peoples and empires.

Conclusion:
Boscath, though a minor location in the biblical text, is part of the rich tapestry of Judah's history. Its mention in connection with King Josiah's lineage highlights its place in the narrative of Israel's kings and their efforts to uphold the worship of Yahweh amidst a landscape of competing religious influences.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Boscath

(2 Kings 22:1) [BOZKATH]

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BOSCATH

bos'-kath.

See BOZKATH.

Library

How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ...
... son Josiah, who was eight years old. His mother was of the city of Boscath,
and her name was Jedidah. He was of a most excellent ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how amon reigned.htm

Thesaurus
Boscath (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BOSCATH. bos'-kath. See BOZKATH.
Multi-Version Concordance Boscath (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 22 ...
/b/boscath.htm - 6k

Bozkath (2 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/b/bozkath.htm - 7k

Bor-sirah (1 Occurrence)
Bor-sirah. Borrows, Bor-sirah. Boscath . Multi-Version Concordance Bor-sirah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See JPS). Borrows, Bor-sirah. Boscath . Reference Bible.
/b/bor-sirah.htm - 6k

Boskath (1 Occurrence)

/b/boskath.htm - 6k

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Concordance
Boscath (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 22:1
Josiah was 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 Boscath.
(KJV WBS)

Subtopics

Boscath

Related Terms

Boscath (1 Occurrence)

Reigning (57 Occurrences)

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

Bor-sirah
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