Definition and Etymology:
The term "Jaar" in the Bible is derived from the Hebrew word יַעַר (ya'ar), which means "forest" or "woodland." It is often used to describe a wooded area or a thicket.

Biblical References and Context:
Jaar is mentioned in the context of several biblical locations and events, primarily in the Old Testament. It is associated with the region of Ephraim and is often linked to the Ark of the Covenant's journey.

1. Kiriath-jearim:
The most notable reference to Jaar is in connection with Kiriath-jearim, a city in the territory of Judah. This city is significant because it was the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant for a period of time. In 1 Samuel 7:1-2 , it is recorded that the men of Kiriath-jearim came to take the Ark of the LORD and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill, where it remained for twenty years. The name Kiriath-jearim itself means "City of Forests," indicating the wooded nature of the area.

2. Psalm 132:6:
In Psalm 132:6 , there is a poetic reference to the Ark's journey: "We heard the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar." This verse highlights the significance of Jaar as a location associated with the presence of God, as represented by the Ark. The mention of Ephrathah, another name for Bethlehem, suggests a broader regional context, emphasizing the importance of the Ark's movements in Israel's history.

3. Historical and Theological Significance:
The references to Jaar, particularly in connection with the Ark of the Covenant, underscore the sacredness of the locations where the Ark resided. The Ark was the most sacred object in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The movement of the Ark to and from Jaar reflects the dynamic relationship between God and Israel, marked by periods of faithfulness and apostasy.

Cultural and Geographical Insights:
Jaar, as a term for forest or woodland, reflects the geography of ancient Israel, where wooded areas were common, especially in the hill country of Ephraim and Judah. These forests were not only significant for their natural resources but also served as settings for various biblical narratives, providing a backdrop for divine encounters and historical events.

Conclusion:
While Jaar itself is not a frequently mentioned location, its association with Kiriath-jearim and the Ark of the Covenant gives it a place of importance in biblical history. The references to Jaar highlight the interplay between geography and theology in the Bible, where physical locations often carry deep spiritual significance.JAAR

ja'-ar (ya`ar, "forest" or "wood"): Is only once taken as a proper name (Psalm 132:6 the Revised Version margin), "We found it in the field of Jaar." It may be a shortened form of the name Kiriath-jearim, where the ark had rested 20 years.

See KIRIATH-JEARIM.

3293a. yaar -- wood, forest, thicket
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition wood, forest, thicket NASB Word Usage
forest (51), forests (2), Jaar (1), thickets (1), woodland (1), woods (2). ...
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Explanatory Notes to the American Edition
... "Tweede Zestal Leerredenen." (Another Six Sermons.) 1851. "O God Wees My Zondaar
Genadig!" Leerrede op den Laatsten Dag van Het Jaar; 1870. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/explanatory notes to the american.htm

Jaar (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAAR. ... See KIRIATH-JEARIM. Multi-Version Concordance
Jaar (1 Occurrence). Psalms 132:6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. ...
/j/jaar.htm - 7k

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... "Wood" is here the rendering of the Hebrew word jaar, which is the singular of jearim.
Multi-Version Concordance Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences). ...
/k/kirjath-jearim.htm - 13k

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... "Wood" is here the rendering of the Hebrew word jaar, which is the singular of jearim.
Multi-Version Concordance Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences). ...
/k/kirjathjearim.htm - 13k

Jaanai (1 Occurrence)

/j/jaanai.htm - 6k

Ja'ar (1 Occurrence)
Ja'ar. Jaar, Ja'ar. Jaarah . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'ar (1 Occurrence).
Psalms ... wood. (See RSV). Jaar, Ja'ar. Jaarah . Reference Bible.
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Ephrath (9 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). Psalms 132:6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah.
We found it in the field of Jaar: (Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/e/ephrath.htm - 10k

Ephrathah (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV BBE NAS NIV). Psalms 132:6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah.
We found it in the field of Jaar: (WEB ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/e/ephrathah.htm - 9k

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