The term "Tekoite" refers to the inhabitants of Tekoa, an ancient town in Judah. Tekoa is mentioned several times in the Bible, and its people, the Tekoites, are noted for their contributions to various biblical narratives and events.

Geographical and Historical Context

Tekoa was located approximately 10 miles south of Jerusalem and 5 miles south of Bethlehem. It was situated on a hill, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding region. The town is believed to have been founded by Ashhur, a descendant of Judah, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:24. Tekoa's location made it an important site for agriculture and shepherding, and it played a role in the defense of the southern kingdom of Judah.

Biblical References

1. Amos the Prophet: One of the most notable Tekoites was the prophet Amos. Amos 1:1 introduces him as a shepherd from Tekoa: "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel." Amos was called by God to prophesy against the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasizing social justice and true worship.

2. The Wise Woman of Tekoa: In 2 Samuel 14, Joab, the commander of King David's army, employs a wise woman from Tekoa to persuade David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. The woman presents a parable to David, which ultimately leads to Absalom's return to Jerusalem. This account highlights the wisdom and rhetorical skill attributed to the Tekoites.

3. The Tekoites in Nehemiah's Time: The Tekoites are also mentioned in the book of Nehemiah during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3:5 states, "Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors." Despite the reluctance of their nobles, the Tekoites contributed to the restoration efforts, demonstrating their commitment to the community and the cause of rebuilding Jerusalem.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Tekoites, through their various roles in biblical history, exemplify themes of obedience, wisdom, and service. Amos, as a Tekoite, represents the call to prophetic ministry and the courage to speak God's truth to power. The wise woman of Tekoa illustrates the use of wisdom and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. The Tekoites' participation in rebuilding Jerusalem underscores the importance of collective effort and dedication to God's purposes.

Conclusion

The Tekoites, though not frequently mentioned, play significant roles in the biblical narrative. Their contributions to prophecy, wisdom, and community service reflect the broader themes of faithfulness and obedience to God's will.8621. Teqoi -- inhab. of Tekoa
... inhab. of Tekoa. Transliteration: Teqoi or Teqoi Phonetic Spelling: (tek-o-ee')
Short Definition: Tekoite. Word Origin from Teqoa Definition inhab. ... Tekoite. ...
/hebrew/8621.htm - 6k

The Builders on the Wall
... There were a few, the Tekoite nobles, who "put not their necks to the work of their
Lord." The memory of these slothful servants is branded with shame and has ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

Divers Matters.
... IV. "Nittai the Tekoite brought a cake out of Bitur but they received it not. The
Alexandrians brought their cakes from Alexandria; but they received them not. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 55 divers matters.htm

Tekoite (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tekoite (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite,
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/t/tekoite.htm - 7k

Ira (6 Occurrences)
... Citizen; wakeful. (1.) A Tekoite, one of David's thirty warriors (2 Samuel 23:26).
(2.) An Ithrite, also one of David's heroes (2 Samuel 23:38). ...
/i/ira.htm - 10k

Ikkesh (3 Occurrences)
... IKKESH. ik'-esh (`iqqesh, "crooked"): A Tekoite, father of Ira, one of David's
"thirty" (2 Samuel 23:26 1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 27:9). ...
/i/ikkesh.htm - 7k

Tekoa (12 Occurrences)
... te-ko'-a (teqoa', or teqo`ah; Thekoe; the King James Version Tekoah; one of David's
mighty men, "Ira the son of Ikkesh," is called a Tekoite, te-ko'-it (teqo`i ...
/t/tekoa.htm - 15k

Teko'ite (1 Occurrence)
Teko'ite. Tekoite, Teko'ite. Tekoites . Multi-Version Concordance Teko'ite
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Tekoite, Teko'ite. Tekoites . Reference Bible.
/t/teko'ite.htm - 6k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... throne be guiltless.' (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the
son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:24 And ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Tekoah (3 Occurrences)

/t/tekoah.htm - 8k

24000 (10 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Chronicles 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son
of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/num/24000.htm - 9k

Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira
the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/t/twenty-four.htm - 14k

Paltite (1 Occurrence)
... Paltite (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh
the Tekoite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/paltite.htm - 7k

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