Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim)
Kiriath-baal, also known as Kiriath-jearim, was a significant city in the tribal allotment of Judah. The name "Kiriath-baal" reflects its association with the Canaanite deity Baal, indicating the syncretism present in the region before Israelite settlement. The renaming to Kiriath-jearim, meaning "City of Forests," signifies a shift away from pagan worship. This city is historically important as the location where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for 20 years before being moved to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2). It highlights the transition from Canaanite influence to Israelite religious centrality.

and Rabbah
Rabbah, meaning "great" or "large," was another city within the territory of Judah. It should not be confused with Rabbah of the Ammonites, a different location. The mention of Rabbah here underscores the diversity and extent of the land allotted to Judah. While less is known about this specific Rabbah, its inclusion indicates its role in the broader settlement and organization of the tribe of Judah.

two cities, along with their villages
The phrase "two cities, along with their villages" emphasizes the administrative and social structure of the time. Cities served as central hubs for surrounding villages, which were smaller settlements. This structure reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where villages supported the cities with agricultural produce and resources. The mention of these cities and their villages illustrates the comprehensive nature of the land distribution among the tribes, ensuring that each tribe had both urban and rural areas for sustenance and growth.

1. Kiriath-baal (Kiriath-jearim)
A city in the territory of Judah, later known as Kiriath-jearim. It was a significant location for the Israelites, especially in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, which was kept there for a time.

2. Rabbah
Another city within the territory of Judah. Not much is detailed about this specific Rabbah in the context of Joshua 15:60, but it is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah.

3. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and prominence. The land allotment in Joshua 15 is part of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes.

4. Ark of the Covenant
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Kiriath-jearim is later associated with the Ark, which was brought there from Beth-shemesh and stayed until David moved it to Jerusalem.

5. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing its division among the tribes.Significance of Place in God's Plan
God uses specific locations for His purposes. Kiriath-jearim's role in housing the Ark shows how God sanctifies places for His glory.

Faithfulness in Stewardship
The cities and lands given to the tribes were to be stewarded faithfully. Believers today are called to steward their resources and responsibilities with diligence.

God's Presence and Guidance
The presence of the Ark in Kiriath-jearim symbolizes God's guidance and presence. Christians are reminded of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, guiding and leading them.

Historical Continuity
Understanding the historical context of biblical locations enriches our comprehension of God's unfolding plan through history.

Community and Worship
The gathering of people around significant spiritual sites like Kiriath-jearim underscores the importance of community in worship and spiritual life.(60) Kirjath-jearim has been already pointed out on the boundary-line of the tribe (Joshua 15:9). Rabbah is marked as Rubba.

Verse 60. - Kirjath Baal. Before these words the LXX. insert the names of eleven more cities, among which Tekoah and Bethlehem are included. For the former see 2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Chronicles 11:6; 2 Chronicles 20:20. The prophet Amos was one of its herdsmen (Amos 1:1). We learn from 1 Maccab. 9:33, etc., that it was near Jordan, and had a waste district in its vicinity. It has been identified with Teku'a, two hours south of Bethlehem. Of Bethlehem itself, the home of Ruth and David, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, it is unnecessary to speak. But the incidents related concerning Bethlehem in Judges 17, 19. (which seem to indicate that the author of the book had special information about Bethlehem), as well as the narrative of the Book of Ruth, lead us to suppose that the verse inserted here by the LXX. is genuine, since Bethlehem was, in early times, a town of sufficient importance to be noticed in a list like this, and that its omission in the Hebrew text is due to the mistake of some transcriber.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Kiriath-baal
בַּ֗עַל (ba·‘al)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7154: Kiriath-baal -- 'city of Baal', another name for Kiriath-jearim

(that is,
הִ֛יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Kiriath-jearim),
יְעָרִ֖ים (yə·‘ā·rîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7157: Kiriath-jearim -- 'city of forests', a city given to Judah, then to Benjamin

and Rabbah—
וְהָֽרַבָּ֑ה (wə·hā·rab·bāh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7237: Rabbah -- two places in Israel

two
שְׁתַּ֖יִם (šə·ta·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

cities,
עָרִ֥ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

along with their villages.
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃ (wə·ḥaṣ·rê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet


Joshua 15:60 NIV
Joshua 15:60 NLT
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OT History: Joshua 15:60 Kiriath Baal the same is Kiriath Jearim (Josh. Jos)