Kiriath-jearim

Kiriath-jearim, also known as Baalah or Baale-judah, is a significant location in biblical history, situated in the tribal territory of Judah. It is notably mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This city is also referenced in the account of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:2).

The men of Kiriath-jearim were part of the Gibeonite confederation, which included the cities of Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim itself. This confederation is noted for its cunning treaty with Joshua and the Israelites. Fearing the Israelites, the Gibeonites deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9:3-15). Despite the deception, the Israelites honored the treaty, and the Gibeonites, including the men of Kiriath-jearim, became servants, tasked with duties such as drawing water and cutting wood for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21).

Chephirah

Chephirah is one of the four cities of the Gibeonite confederation. It is located in the tribal allotment of Benjamin, as outlined in the division of the land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:26). Like the other Gibeonite cities, Chephirah's inhabitants were spared from destruction due to the treaty made with Joshua. The men of Chephirah, along with those from the other Gibeonite cities, were assigned to serve the Israelites in the roles specified in the treaty (Joshua 9:27).

The city is mentioned in the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. The men of Chephirah were among those who returned to their ancestral lands, as recorded in the lists of returnees (Ezra 2:25, Nehemiah 7:29). This indicates the continued existence and identity of the Chephirah community within the broader Israelite society.

Beeroth

Beeroth is another city within the Gibeonite confederation, also located in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). Like Kiriath-jearim and Chephirah, Beeroth's inhabitants were included in the treaty with Joshua, which allowed them to live among the Israelites as servants (Joshua 9:17).

Beeroth is mentioned in the context of King Saul's reign. Two men from Beeroth, Baanah and Rechab, are infamously known for assassinating Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, in an attempt to gain favor with David (2 Samuel 4:2-6). However, David condemned their actions and had them executed for their treachery (2 Samuel 4:9-12).

In the post-exilic period, the men of Beeroth are also listed among those who returned from exile, maintaining their distinct identity within the community of Israel (Ezra 2:25, Nehemiah 7:29). This continuity underscores the enduring legacy of the Gibeonite cities and their integration into the life and history of Israel.