A city of the Amorites, between Hebron and the coast (Josh. 10: 3, 5, 23, 31-35; Josh. 12: 11); afterwards included in Judah (Josh. 15: 39); fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chr. 11: 9); here Amaziah was killed (2 Kgs. 14: 19; 2 Chr. 25: 27). It was captured by Sennacherib (2 Chr. 32: 9; 2 Kgs. 18: 17), and the siege is depicted on an Assyrian monument still in existence. After the Return Lachish was again occupied by Jews (Neh. 11: 30).