LA'CHISH
A fortified city in the lowland of Judah (Joshua 15:33,39). At the time of the conquest of Palestine, Joshua slew its king (Joshua 10:3-35; 12:11). Rehoboam fortified it anew (2 Chronicles 11:9). Amaziah, king of Judah, sought refuge at Lachish, but was pursued by conspirators from Jerusalem and killed (2 Kings 14:19; 2 Chronicles 25:27). Later (about 701 B.C.), Sennecherib besieged it (2 Kings 18:13,14,17), and from his camp the rabshakeh was sent to demand the surrender of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:14,17; cf. 19:8 & 2 Chronicles 32:9; Isaiah 36:2; 37:8). It was reoccupied after the captivity (Nehemiah 11:30).