Kephirah is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It is one of the four cities of the Hivites that made a treaty with Joshua and the Israelites, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. The other cities included in this treaty are Gibeon, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 9:17 : "So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities—Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim." This verse highlights Kephirah as one of the cities that deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. The Gibeonites, including the inhabitants of Kephirah, pretended to be from a distant land to secure protection from the advancing Israelites.

2. Joshua 18:25-26 : "Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Mizpeh, Kephirah, Mozah..." In this passage, Kephirah is listed among the towns allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This allocation occurred during the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

3. Ezra 2:25 : "the men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743." This verse is part of the record of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity. It indicates that descendants of the original inhabitants of Kephirah were among those who returned to rebuild their lives in the land of their ancestors.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Kephirah was located in the region that would later be known as the territory of Benjamin. The exact location of Kephirah is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated northwest of Jerusalem. The town's inclusion in the treaty with the Israelites suggests it was of some strategic importance, likely due to its proximity to Gibeon, a significant city in the region.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The account of Kephirah and the other Hivite cities is significant in the biblical narrative as it demonstrates the complexities of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The treaty with the Gibeonites, including the people of Kephirah, was made under false pretenses, yet it was honored by the Israelites due to the sacredness of oaths made before God. This episode underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of deception.

The inclusion of Kephirah in the list of towns whose inhabitants returned from exile highlights the continuity of the Israelite community and God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land. Despite the challenges and disruptions of exile, the returnees sought to reestablish their heritage and fulfill their covenantal relationship with God.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence for Kephirah is limited, the general region has been the subject of various excavations that provide insight into the broader cultural and historical context of the time. These findings help to illuminate the life and practices of the ancient inhabitants of the area, contributing to a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative.

In summary, Kephirah is a town with a notable role in the biblical history of Israel, serving as a testament to the themes of covenant, deception, and restoration that run throughout the Scriptures.3716a. Kephirah -- a city in Benjamin
... 3716, 3716a. Kephirah. 3716b . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Kephirah
Short Definition: Chephirah. Word Origin fem. ... 3716, 3716a. Kephirah. 3716b > ...
/hebrew/3716a.htm - 5k

3716. Kphiyrah -- a city in Benjamin
... Chephirah Feminine of kphiyr; the village (always with the art.); Kephirah, a place
in Palestine -- Chephirah. see HEBREW kphiyr. 3715, 3716. ...
/hebrew/3716.htm - 5k

Kephirah (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kephirah (4 Occurrences). Joshua 9:17 The children
of Israel traveled and came to their cities on the third day. ...
/k/kephirah.htm - 7k

Kenosis

/k/kenosis.htm - 14k

Chephirah (4 Occurrences)
... ke-fi'-ra (ha-kephirah; Codex Vaticanus, Kapheira (Joshua 9); Codex Alexandrinus
has Chepheira, Codex Vaticanus has kai Pheira (Joshua 18)): One of the cities ...
/c/chephirah.htm - 8k

Kept (891 Occurrences)

/k/kept.htm - 33k

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