Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Kirjathaim" is derived from the Hebrew words "qiryath" meaning "city" and "ayim," a dual form indicating "two." Thus, Kirjathaim can be understood as "the double city" or "two cities."

Biblical References:
Kirjathaim is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, each providing insight into its historical and geographical significance.

1. Genesis 14:5 · Kirjathaim is first mentioned in the context of the battle of the kings. It was one of the cities defeated by Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim" .

2. Numbers 32:37 · The city is noted as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The Reubenites rebuilt Kirjathaim after the conquest of the land: "The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim" .

3. Joshua 13:19 · Kirjathaim is listed among the cities in the territory of Reuben, emphasizing its location on the east side of the Jordan River: "Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley" .

4. 1 Chronicles 6:76 · The city is mentioned in the context of the Levitical cities, indicating its religious significance: "And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands" .

5. Jeremiah 48:1, 23 · The prophet Jeremiah prophesies against Moab, mentioning Kirjathaim as one of the cities that will face judgment: "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'" .

6. Ezekiel 25:9 · The city is again mentioned in a prophecy against Moab, highlighting its importance in the region: "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land" .

Historical and Geographical Context:
Kirjathaim was located east of the Jordan River, in the region historically associated with the tribes of Reuben and Gad. Its mention alongside other significant cities in Moab suggests it was a place of considerable importance. The dual nature of its name may imply a city with two distinct parts or a city that was rebuilt or expanded over time.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Kirjathaim remains uncertain, it is generally associated with the region of Moab, modern-day Jordan. Some scholars suggest it may be identified with the archaeological site of Qaryatein, though definitive evidence is lacking.

Theological Significance:
Kirjathaim's repeated mention in prophetic literature underscores its role in the divine judgment pronounced against Moab. The city's inclusion in the Levitical cities also highlights its religious significance within the Israelite community. As a city rebuilt by the Reubenites, it serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land inheritance of the tribes of Israel.

Conclusion:
Kirjathaim stands as a testament to the complex history and geography of the biblical lands, reflecting both the fulfillment of divine promises and the execution of divine judgment. Its dual nature and repeated mention in Scripture invite further exploration into its historical and theological implications.Kirjathaim

the two cities; callings; or meetings

Kirjathaim

1. The dual form of Kirjath, a city. It was an ancient city of the Emim, east of the Jordan; afterwards inhabited by the Moabites, Amorites, and Israelites in turn, Genesis 14:5 De 2:9-11 Ezekiel 25:9. It fell within the limits of the tribe of Reuben, Numbers 32:37 Joshua 13:19

2. A Levitical city in Naphtali, 1 Chronicles 6:76; called Kartan, in Joshua 21:32.

Two cities; a double city.

(1.) A city of refuge in Naphtali (1 Chronicles 6:76).

(2.) A town on the east of Jordan (Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 2:9, 10). It was assigned to the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 32:37). In the time of Ezekiel (25:9) it was one of the four cities which formed the "glory of Moab" (Comp. Jeremiah 48:1, 23). It has been identified with el-Kureiyat, 11 miles south-west of Medeba, on the south slope of Jebel Attarus, the ancient Ataroth.

KIRJATHAIM

kur-ja-tha'-im, kir-ja-tha'-im.

See KIRIATHAIM.

7156. Qiryathayim -- a city in Moab, also a place in Naphtali
... Kiriathaim, Kirjathaim. Dual of qiryah; double city; Kirjathaim, the name of two
placed in Palestine -- Kiriathaim, Kirjathaim. see HEBREW qiryah. 7155, 7156 ...
/hebrew/7156.htm - 6kKirjathaim (6 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KIRJATHAIM. kur-ja-tha'-im, kir-ja-tha'-im. See
KIRIATHAIM. Multi-Version Concordance Kirjathaim (6 Occurrences). ...
/k/kirjathaim.htm - 9k

Shaveh-kirjathaim (1 Occurrence)
Shaveh-kirjathaim. Sha'veh-kiriatha'im, Shaveh-kirjathaim. Shaven .
Multi-Version Concordance Shaveh-kirjathaim (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shaveh-kirjathaim.htm - 6k

Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences)

/k/kirjatharba.htm - 8k

Shaven (7 Occurrences)

/s/shaven.htm - 8k

Zareth-shahar (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zareth-shahar (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim,
and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley, (WBS YLT). ...
/z/zareth-shahar.htm - 7k

Zarethshahar (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zarethshahar (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim,
and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, (KJV). ...
/z/zarethshahar.htm - 7k

Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)
... Kirjathhuzoth, Kirjath-huzoth. Kirjathjearim . Easton's Bible Dictionary City
of streets, Numbers 22:39, a Moabite city, which some identify with Kirjathaim...
/k/kirjath-huzoth.htm - 7k

Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary City of streets, Numbers 22:39, a Moabite city,
which some identify with Kirjathaim. Balak here received ...
/k/kirjathhuzoth.htm - 7k

Kirjath (1 Occurrence)

/k/kirjath.htm - 7k

Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences)
... kir-i-aitha'-im (qiryathaym, "two cities"; the King James Version, Kirjathaim):
(1) A city in the uplands of Moab formerly held by Sihon, and given by Moses to ...
/k/kiriathaim.htm - 9k

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