Bible Dictionary
Jahaz
Jahaz was a town east of the Jordan where Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites. It was allotted to Reuben and the Merarite Levites and later became associated with Moab.
Definition
Jahaz was a town east of the Jordan, also called Jahaza, Jahazah, or Jahzah. It was located in or near the former Amorite territory north of the Arnon and was assigned to Reuben and later to the Merarite Levites.
Biblical Usage
At Jahaz, Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites and took his territory. Later prophetic passages mention Jahaz among the places associated with Moab.
Historical Background
The town’s exact site remains uncertain. The supplied material notes that Mesha said the king of Israel dwelt there during war with him, after which Moab gained control of the city.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Trodden down (called also Jahaza, Josh. 13:18; Jahazah, 21:36; Jahzah, 1 Chr. 6:78), a town where Sihon was defeated, in the borders of Moab and in the land of the Ammonites beyond Jordan, and north of the river Arnon (Num. 21:23; Deut. 2:32). It was situated in the tribe of Reuben, and was assigned to the Merarite Levites (Josh. 13:18; 21:36). Here was fought the decisive battle in which Sihon (q.v.) was completely routed, and his territory (the modern Belka) came into the possession of Israel. This town is mentioned in the denunciations of the prophets against Moab (Isa. 15:4; Jer. 48:34).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ja'-haz (yahats, Isa 16:4; Jer 48:34, yahatsah, or yahtsah, Nu 21:23; De 2:32; Jos 13:18; 21:36, the King James Version "Jahazah"; Jud 11:20; Jer 48:21; 1Ch 6:78, "Jahzah"): This is the place where in a great battle Israel overwhelmed Sihon king of the Amorites, and then took possession of all his territory (Nu 21:23, etc.). It is named along with Beth-baal-meon and Kedemoth (Jos 13:18), with Kedemoth (Jos 21:37) pointing to a position in the Southeast of the Amorite territory. It was given to Reuben by Moses, and was one of the cities in the portion of that tribe assigned to the Merarite Levites. Mesha (MS, ll. 18 if) says that the king of Israel dwelt in Jahaz when at war with him. Mesha drove him out, and the city passed into the hands of Moab. It is referred to as a city of Moab in Isa 15:4; Jer 48:21,34. Cheyne thinks that either Jahaz or Kedemoth must be represented today by the important ruins of Umm er-Recac, about 2 1/2 hours North of Dibon toward the desert (EB, under the word). No certain identification is possible.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>