Topical Encyclopedia Kiriathsannah is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is identified as one of the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The name "Kiriathsannah" is often associated with the city of Debir, as seen in the scriptural references.Biblical References: In Joshua 15:49, Kiriathsannah is listed among the cities in the hill country of Judah: "and Dannah, Kiriathsannah (that is, Debir)," . This verse indicates that Kiriathsannah is synonymous with Debir, suggesting that it may have been known by both names. The dual naming could reflect a historical or cultural transition in the region, where the city was known by different names at different times or by different groups. Historical and Geographical Context: Kiriathsannah, or Debir, was located in the southern part of the land of Canaan, within the hill country of Judah. The city played a significant role during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. It was one of the cities that Joshua and the Israelites captured as they took possession of the Promised Land. The city of Debir is also mentioned in Joshua 10:38-39, where Joshua led a campaign against it: "Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned back to Debir and fought against it. And they captured it and its king and all its villages. They struck them down with the sword and completely destroyed all the people, leaving no survivors. And Joshua did to Debir and its king as he had done to Hebron and to Libnah and its king." . This passage highlights the military significance of Debir during the conquest and its eventual integration into the territory of Judah. Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Kiriathsannah/Debir is debated among scholars, it is generally believed to be in the region of modern-day Khirbet Rabud, southwest of Hebron. Archaeological excavations in this area have uncovered remains that suggest a significant settlement during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age, aligning with the biblical timeline. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the conquest and settlement of Kiriathsannah/Debir underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The capture of such cities demonstrates God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience and trust in His divine plan. Kiriathsannah, as part of the inheritance of Judah, also reflects the broader narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a key aspect of Israel's identity and history as God's chosen people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KIRIATH-SANNAHkir-i-ath-san'-a (qiryath sannah; the King James Version Kirjath Sannah): In Joshua 15:49 it is called "Debir," and is identical with KIRIATH-SEPHER (which see). Aspolis grammaton, "city of books," is the reading in Septuagint, the most natural explanation is that cannah, is a copyist's error for cepher, but Sayce considers this an ancient Canaanite name meaning "city of instruction," and that it occurs in the Tell el-Amarna Letters in the form "Bit' sani." Thesaurus Kiriathsannah/k/kiriathsannah.htm - 7k Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kiriath-sannah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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