Topical Encyclopedia Overview: Jahazah, also referred to as Jahaz, Jahaza, or Jahzah, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily known as the site of a decisive battle between the Israelites, led by Moses, and the Amorite king Sihon. This battle is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, marking a key victory that allowed them to advance further into Canaanite territory. Biblical References: Jahazah is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament. The primary account of the battle is found in the Book of Numbers: · Numbers 21:23-24 : "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and marched out into the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified." This passage highlights the strategic importance of Jahazah as a battleground and the subsequent victory that allowed the Israelites to claim the land from the Arnon to the Jabbok. · Deuteronomy 2:32-34 : "So Sihon and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him, his sons, and his whole army. At that time we captured all his cities and completely destroyed the people of every city, including women and children. We left no survivors." This reiteration in Deuteronomy emphasizes the divine intervention and the totality of the victory granted by God to the Israelites. · Joshua 13:18 : Jahazah is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben: "Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath." · 1 Chronicles 6:78 : The city is also mentioned in the context of the Levitical cities: "From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho, they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahaz," Historical and Geographical Context: Jahazah was located in the territory east of the Jordan River, in the region historically inhabited by the Amorites. The exact location of Jahazah is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the area that later became part of the tribal inheritance of Reuben. The region was characterized by its strategic position, serving as a gateway for the Israelites as they moved northward. Theological Significance: The battle at Jahazah is a testament to God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people. It underscores the theme of divine assistance in the conquest of the Promised Land, a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch and the historical books. The victory at Jahazah is a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. Cultural and Religious Impact: For the Israelites, the victory at Jahazah was not only a military triumph but also a spiritual milestone. It reinforced their identity as God's chosen people and their mission to establish a nation under His covenant. The allocation of Jahazah to the tribe of Reuben and its designation as a Levitical city further integrated it into the religious and cultural fabric of Israelite society. Conclusion: While Jahazah may not be as frequently mentioned as other biblical sites, its role in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan is crucial. It serves as a symbol of God's providence and the unfolding of His plan for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Jahazah(trodden down). (Joshua 21:36; Jeremiah 48:21) [JAHAZ, ALSO JAHAZA, JAHAZAH AND JUHZAH] Strong's Hebrew 3096. Yahats -- a place in Moab... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a place in Moab NASB Word Usage Jahaz (7), Jahzah (2). Jahaz, Jahazah, Jahzah. Or Yahtsah ... /hebrew/3096.htm - 6k Thesaurus Jahazah (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Jahazah (3 Occurrences). Joshua 13:18 and Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, (YLT). Joshua 21:36 And out ... /j/jahazah.htm - 7k Jahaz (8 Occurrences) Jahaza (1 Occurrence) Jahaziah (1 Occurrence) Meph'a-ath (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Jahazah (3 Occurrences)Joshua 13:18 Joshua 21:36 Jeremiah 48:21 Subtopics Related Terms |