Overview
Tekoa was a fortified city in the hill country of Judah, located approximately 10 miles south of Jerusalem. The town served strategic military purposes during Judah's monarchy and was inhabited by shepherds and farmers. Tekoa is primarily remembered as the birthplace of the prophet Amos and as the residence of a wise woman whose counsel influenced King David.
Key Scriptures
"Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa" (Amos 1:1, ESV). "And the king said to the woman, 'Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you.' And the woman of Tekoa said to the king, 'My lord, O king, let the iniquity be on me and on my father's house; and let the king and his throne be guiltless'" (2 Samuel 14:8-9, ESV). "So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah... Tekoa" (2 Chronicles 11:6, ESV).
Application
Tekoa reminds us that God uses people from humble, ordinary places to accomplish His purposes, whether through prophetic ministry or wise counsel.