Biblical References:
Shaveh Kiriathaim is mentioned in the context of the battle narratives found in the Book of Genesis. Specifically, it appears in Genesis 14:5, which describes the military campaign of Chedorlaomer and his allied kings against various peoples in the region.

Genesis 14:5 : "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Shaveh Kiriathaim is identified as a location in the ancient Near East, associated with the Emim, a people described as formidable and numerous, akin to the Anakim (Deuteronomy 2:10-11). The name "Kiriathaim" suggests a dual settlement or a city with two parts, as "Kiriath" means "city" in Hebrew. The prefix "Shaveh" may denote a plain or valley, indicating the geographical nature of the area.

The site is traditionally located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This aligns with the broader narrative of Genesis 14, which details the movements of Chedorlaomer's coalition through territories east of the Jordan, including lands later associated with the Moabites and Ammonites.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Shaveh Kiriathaim in Genesis 14 underscores the historical reality of conflict and conquest in the ancient world, reflecting the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty over nations and history. The defeat of the Emim at Shaveh Kiriathaim by Chedorlaomer's forces is part of a larger narrative that sets the stage for Abram's (later Abraham) rescue of Lot and his subsequent blessing by Melchizedek, king of Salem.

This passage also highlights the transient nature of human power and the shifting dynamics of ancient Near Eastern politics. The Emim, once a formidable people, are subdued by a coalition of kings, illustrating the ebb and flow of dominance among the nations.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Shaveh Kiriathaim remains uncertain, archaeological efforts in the region of Moab have uncovered sites that may correspond to ancient cities mentioned in biblical texts. These findings contribute to our understanding of the historical and cultural context of the patriarchal narratives.

Cultural and Historical Impact:
The account of Shaveh Kiriathaim, along with the broader narrative of Genesis 14, has been a subject of interest for biblical scholars and historians seeking to understand the early interactions between the peoples of the ancient Near East. It provides a glimpse into the complex relationships and conflicts that shaped the history of the region.

In summary, Shaveh Kiriathaim serves as a testament to the intricate tapestry of biblical history, where divine providence and human agency intersect in the unfolding account of God's people.Shaveh Kiriathaim

(plain of the double city), mentioned (Genesis 14:5) as the residence of the Emim at the time of Chedorlaomer's incursion. Kiriathaim is named in the later history, though it has not been identified; and Shaveh Kiriathaim was probably the valley in or by which the town lay.

7741. Shaveh Qiryathayim -- a plain East of the Jordan
... Shaveh Kiriathaim. From the same as Shaveh and the dual of qiryah; plain of a double
city; Shaveh-Kirjathajim, a place East of the Jordan -- Shaveh Kiriathaim. ...
/hebrew/7741.htm - 6k

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Kudur-lagamar defeated them one after another"the Rephaim near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim,
the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim, and the Horim on ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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