Overview
Zanoah refers to two distinct towns in the territory of Judah during biblical times. One Zanoah was located in the lowlands of Judah and is mentioned among the cities apportioned to Judah's inheritance. Another Zanoah appears in the genealogy of Judah and was inhabited after the Babylonian exile.
Key Scriptures
"And Zanoah, and En Gannim, Tappuah, and Enam" (Joshua 15:34, NASB) lists Zanoah among Judah's lowland cities. "After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired as far as the place opposite the graves and as far as the water gate toward the east" (Nehemiah 3:13, ESV). "And in Zanoah, and in Adullam, and in their villages" (Nehemiah 11:30, KJV) indicates post-exilic settlement.
Application
Understanding Zanoah's geographical and historical significance helps us appreciate God's faithful provision of land to His covenant people across generations, from conquest through exile and restoration.