Etymology and Meaning:
Kiriath-baal, meaning "City of Baal," is a name that reflects the ancient Canaanite influence in the region, where Baal was a prominent deity. The name indicates the city's historical association with Baal worship before the Israelite conquest.

Biblical References:
Kiriath-baal is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:60, it is listed as one of the cities in the hill country of Judah: "Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim) and Rabbah—two cities, along with their villages." This verse highlights the dual name of the city, Kiriath-baal and Kiriath-jearim, indicating a transition from its Canaanite roots to its Israelite identity.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Kiriath-baal, also known as Kiriath-jearim, was located in the tribal territory of Judah, near the border with Benjamin. It played a significant role in Israel's history, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The city is identified with the modern site of Deir el-Azar, situated west of Jerusalem.

Significance in Israelite History:
Kiriath-jearim is notably mentioned in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to Kiriath-jearim and remained there for twenty years before being moved to Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 7:1-2, 2 Samuel 6:2-3). This event underscores the city's importance as a religious center during this period.

Cultural and Religious Transition:
The dual name of the city reflects the cultural and religious transition from Canaanite to Israelite control. The name Kiriath-baal suggests its original dedication to Baal worship, while Kiriath-jearim, meaning "City of Forests," indicates a shift away from pagan associations. This transition is emblematic of the broader conquest and settlement patterns of the Israelites as they established their identity in the Promised Land.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological excavations at the site believed to be Kiriath-jearim have provided insights into the city's layout and historical significance. Findings suggest a fortified settlement with evidence of continuous occupation from the Canaanite period through the Israelite monarchy. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the cultural and religious dynamics in ancient Judah.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the transformation of Kiriath-baal to Kiriath-jearim symbolizes the triumph of Yahweh worship over Canaanite paganism. The city's role in safeguarding the Ark of the Covenant highlights its significance in the religious life of Israel and underscores the centrality of the Ark as a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people.

Conclusion:
Kiriath-baal, or Kiriath-jearim, serves as a testament to the complex interplay of culture, religion, and history in the biblical narrative. Its mention in Scripture and its archaeological remains offer valuable insights into the ancient world and the unfolding account of God's people in the land He promised to them.KIRIATH-BAAL

kir-i-ath-ba'-al

See KIRIATH-JEARIM.

7154. Qiryath Baal -- "city of Baal," another name for Kiriath ...
... "city of Baal," another name for Kiriath-jearim. Transliteration: Qiryath Baal Phonetic
Spelling: (keer-yath' bah'-al) Short Definition: Kiriath-baal. ...
/hebrew/7154.htm - 6kKiriathbaal
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KIRIATH-BAAL. kir-i-ath-ba'-al See KIRIATH-JEARIM. ...
/k/kiriathbaal.htm - 6k

Kiriath-baal (2 Occurrences)
Kiriath-baal. Kiriathbaal, Kiriath-baal. Kir'iath-ba'al . Int. ... (ASV BBE JPS
NAS). Kiriathbaal, Kiriath-baal. Kir'iath-ba'al . Reference Bible.
/k/kiriath-baal.htm - 7k

Kir'iath-ba'al (2 Occurrences)
... Kiriath-baal, Kir'iath-ba'al. Kiriathhuzoth . ... Joshua 15:60 Kiriath-baal--the
same is Kiriath-jearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/k/kir'iath-ba'al.htm - 7k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... cities of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:17); a city of Judah (Joshua 15:60), evidently
an ancient, Semitic "high place", hence, the name "Kiriath-Baal" (same place ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... jearim. (See RSV). Joshua 15:60 Kiriath-baal--the same is Kiriath-jearim, and
Rabbah; two cities with their villages. (See RSV). Joshua ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

Kiriath (34 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). Joshua 15:60 KiriathBaal (the same is Kiriath Jearim),
and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/k/kiriath.htm - 17k

Jearim (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:60 KiriathBaal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities
with their villages. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jearim.htm - 13k

Baal (94 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:60 KiriathBaal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities
with their villages. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/b/baal.htm - 53k

Kiriath-arim (1 Occurrence)
Kiriath-arim. Kir'iathar'im, Kiriath-arim. Kiriathbaal . Int. ... (ASV BBE JPS NAS).
Kir'iathar'im, Kiriath-arim. Kiriathbaal . Reference Bible.
/k/kiriath-arim.htm - 7k

What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org

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