Chephirah is a city 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, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim."

2. Joshua 18:25-26 · In the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, Chephirah is listed as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. "Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah..."

3. Ezra 2:25 and Nehemiah 7:29 · These passages mention the return of the exiles from Babylon, listing the people of Chephirah among those who returned to their ancestral lands. "the men of Gibeon, 95; the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188; the men of Anathoth, 128; the men of Azmaveth, 42; the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;"

Historical and Geographical Context:

Chephirah was one of the cities of the Hivites, a Canaanite people who inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites. The Hivites, along with the other Canaanite tribes, were known for their polytheistic practices, which were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

The city is believed to have been located in the region of Benjamin, northwest of Jerusalem. Its exact location is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the area near modern-day Kefireh, based on historical and archaeological evidence.

The Treaty with the Gibeonites:

The account of the treaty with the Gibeonites, which included Chephirah, is a significant event in the narrative of the Israelite conquest. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and convinced Joshua to make a covenant with them, sparing their cities from destruction.

Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the sacredness of oaths made before God. As a result, the Gibeonites, including the inhabitants of Chephirah, were spared but were made servants, tasked with duties such as drawing water and cutting wood for the Israelite community and the altar of the Lord.

Religious and Theological Significance:

The account of Chephirah and the Gibeonite treaty highlights themes of covenant faithfulness and the importance of seeking divine guidance. The Israelites' failure to consult God before making the treaty serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of relying solely on human judgment. It also underscores the sanctity of oaths and the ethical obligation to uphold agreements, even when made under false pretenses.

Chephirah's inclusion in the list of cities whose inhabitants returned from exile demonstrates the enduring legacy of these ancient communities and their integration into the broader narrative of Israel's history. The return from exile signifies God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land, fulfilling His promises despite their past disobedience.Joshua 9:17
And the children of Israel journeyed, and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.
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Joshua 18:26
And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,
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Ezra 2:25
The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.
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Nehemiah 7:29
The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.
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