Kirjath-Jearim, also known as Kiriath-Jearim, is a significant location in biblical history, often associated with the Ark of the Covenant. The name "Kirjath-Jearim" translates to "City of Forests" or "City of Woods," reflecting its geographical setting. It is situated in the territory of Judah, near the border with Benjamin, and is mentioned multiple times throughout the Old Testament.

Historical Context and Inhabitants

The city of Kirjath-Jearim was originally inhabited by the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites who made a treaty with Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 9:17). The Gibeonites, through cunning, secured their safety by becoming servants to the Israelites, specifically as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" (Joshua 9:21). This relationship established the Gibeonites as a distinct group within Israelite society, living in cities like Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath-Jearim.

Role in the Ark Narrative

Kirjath-Jearim is most notably recognized for its role in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, who had captured it in battle, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-Jearim. There, it remained for twenty years under the care of Abinadab's son, Eleazar, who was consecrated to guard it (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This period marked a time of spiritual renewal for Israel, as the people lamented after the LORD.

Tribal Associations

While Kirjath-Jearim is located within the boundaries of Judah, it is also associated with the tribe of Benjamin. This dual association is evident in the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 18:14-15, the city's location is described in the context of the border of Benjamin, indicating its proximity and significance to both tribes.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The inhabitants of Kirjath-Jearim played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel, particularly during the time the Ark resided there. The city's association with the Ark underscores its importance as a center of worship and spiritual focus. The presence of the Ark in Kirjath-Jearim symbolized God's continued presence and favor with His people, even during times of national distress.

Later References and Legacy

Kirjath-Jearim is mentioned in later biblical texts, including the genealogies and territorial descriptions in 1 Chronicles 2:50-53 and 1 Chronicles 13:5-6. These references highlight the city's enduring legacy and its role in the broader narrative of Israel's history. The city's inhabitants, through their custodianship of the Ark, contributed to the spiritual heritage of the nation.

In summary, the inhabitants of Kirjath-Jearim, including the Gibeonites and later Israelites, played a pivotal role in the religious and cultural history of ancient Israel. Their stewardship of the Ark of the Covenant and the city's strategic location underscore its significance in the biblical narrative.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 9:3-27
And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
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The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... very glad; for it being then summer-time, and all the inhabitants being then ... Philistines;
which when they knew, they brought it away to Kirjathjearim, a city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the destruction that.htm

The Ark of the House of Obed-Edom
... hills, and in the first little village were welcomed by the inhabitants at their ...
it, and they passed it on to the little city of Kirjath-jearim,'the city of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the ark of the house.htm

The Philistines, victorious in this Prosperous Battle, Brought the ...
... The inhabitants, however, of that place, the chief men of the nation having been
called together, formed the design of ... 1. [299] Called Kirjath-jearim in the ...
/.../chapter xxxi the philistines victorious.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Beeroth, Kirjath-Jearim, Ajalon, Gezer, and the cities of the plain, for the Israelites
could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Some of them were representatives of ancient races akin to the Susians, and perhaps
to the first inhabitants of Chaldaea; others belonged to tribes of a fresh ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Who was Obed in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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