Jahaz

JAHAZ (jāhăz). A city in Reuben’s heritage (Josh.13.18) in the land given to the Merarites (Josh.21.34-Josh.21.36). Israel captured the city, conquered King Sihon, and took the region (Num.21.21-Num.21.25). The Moabite Stone tells of a king of Israel who lived in Jahaz during a war with Mesha in which Mesha conquered. It was once a stronghold north of the Arnon River. Isaiah (Num.15.4) and Jeremiah (48:20-Num.15.21) call it a city of Moab.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

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.