Etymology and Meaning: The name "Jirjathaim" is derived from the Hebrew root "קרת" (qirya), meaning "city" or "town." The suffix "-aim" suggests a dual form, indicating "double city" or "two cities." This name reflects the ancient practice of naming places based on their geographical or structural characteristics.

Biblical References: Jirjathaim is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territories and cities associated with the tribes of Israel and their neighbors. The primary references to Jirjathaim are found in the following passages:

1. Numbers 32:37: "The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim," . Here, Jirjathaim is referred to as Kiriathaim, a city built by the tribe of Reuben after they settled in the land east of the Jordan River. This passage highlights the city's significance as part of the Reubenite inheritance.

2. Joshua 13:19: "Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley," . This verse lists Kiriathaim among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The mention of Kiriathaim in this context underscores its importance within the tribal boundaries.

3. Jeremiah 48:1: "Concerning Moab: This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured; the fortress will be shattered and disgraced.'" . In this prophetic declaration against Moab, Kiriathaim is identified as a Moabite city destined for destruction. This indicates that the city, at some point, came under Moabite control.

4. Ezekiel 25:9: "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land." . This passage, part of a prophecy against Moab, again mentions Kiriathaim as a significant city within Moabite territory, emphasizing its prominence and strategic importance.

Historical and Geographical Context: Jirjathaim, or Kiriathaim, was located east of the Jordan River, in the region historically associated with the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The city was strategically positioned in the fertile plains of Moab, an area known for its agricultural productivity. Over time, the city became a point of contention between the Israelites and the Moabites, as evidenced by its mention in prophetic judgments against Moab.

Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of ancient Jirjathaim remains uncertain, some scholars suggest it may correspond to modern-day sites in Jordan, such as Qaryatein or el-Qereiyat. Archaeological findings in these areas have provided insights into the region's historical occupation and cultural exchanges between the Israelites and neighboring peoples.

Theological Significance: Jirjathaim's biblical mentions highlight themes of territorial inheritance, divine judgment, and the shifting control of cities in the ancient Near East. The city's inclusion in prophetic oracles against Moab serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine purposes. The narrative of Jirjathaim reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst geopolitical changes and challenges.Jirjathaim

(the two cities).

1. On the east of the Jordan, one of the places which were taken possession of and rebuilt by the Reubenites, and had fresh names conferred on them, (Numbers 32:37) and see (Numbers 32:38) the first and last of which are known with some tolerable degree of certainty. (Joshua 12:19) It existed in the time of Jeremiah, (Jeremiah 48:1,23) and Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 25:9) In the three passages named the Authorized Version gives the name KIRIATHAIM. By Eusebius it appears to have been well known. He describes it as a village entirely of Christians, ten miles west of Medeba, "close to the Baris."
2. A town in Naphtali not mentioned in the original list of the possession allotted to the tribe, see (Joshua 19:32-39) but inserted in the list of cities given to the Gershonite Levites in (1 Chronicles 6:76) in place of KARTAN in the parallel catalogue, Kartan being probably only a contraction thereof.

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