Kartah is a lesser-known city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is one of the cities given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. The Levites were not given a contiguous territory like the other tribes but were instead allocated specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands throughout the land of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

Kartah is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the distribution of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 21:34, the text states: "And to the families of the Merarites, the rest of the Levites, they gave from the tribe of Zebulun: Jokneam, Kartah," . This passage indicates that Kartah was one of the cities given to the Merarite clan, a subgroup of the Levites, from the territory of the tribe of Zebulun.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Kartah is not definitively known today, as it is not prominently featured in other historical or archaeological records. However, its association with the tribe of Zebulun places it in the northern region of ancient Israel, likely within the boundaries of what is today part of modern-day Israel. The territory of Zebulun was situated in the Galilee region, which is characterized by its fertile land and strategic location.

Theological Significance:

The allocation of cities like Kartah to the Levites underscores the unique role of the Levites in Israelite society. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. Their inheritance of cities rather than a large contiguous territory reflects their function as spiritual leaders and teachers dispersed among the people of Israel. This arrangement ensured that the Levites could fulfill their duties of teaching the Law and maintaining the worship of Yahweh throughout the land.

Cultural and Religious Role:

As a Levitical city, Kartah would have served as a center for religious instruction and worship. The Levites residing in Kartah would have been responsible for various religious functions, including teaching the Torah, leading worship, and performing sacrifices. This role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual health and covenantal faithfulness of the Israelite community.

Conclusion:

While Kartah itself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, its mention as a Levitical city highlights the broader theme of the distribution of the Levites among the tribes of Israel. This distribution was integral to the spiritual and communal life of the nation, ensuring that the worship of God and adherence to His commandments were central to the identity and daily life of the Israelites.Kartah

calling; meeting

Kartah

(city), a town of Zebulun, allotted to the Merarite Levites. (Joshua 21:34)

City, a town in the tribe of Zebulun assigned to the Levites of the family of Merari (Joshua 21:34). It is identical with Kattath (19:15), and perhaps also with Kitron (Judges 1:30). KARTAH

kar'-ta (qartah): A city in the territory of Zebulun, assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:34). It is not identified. Possibly it is a variant of KATTATH, or of KARTAN (which see).

7177. Qartah -- a city in Zebulun
... 7176, 7177. Qartah. 7178 . a city in Zebulun. Transliteration: Qartah Phonetic
Spelling: (kar-taw') Short Definition: Kartah. ... Kartah. ...
/hebrew/7177.htm - 6kKartah (2 Occurrences)
...KARTAH. kar'-ta (qartah): A city in the territory of Zebulun, assigned to the Levites
(Joshua 21:34). ... Multi-Version Concordance Kartah (2 Occurrences). ...
/k/kartah.htm - 7k

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of
the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with the open land about it, and Kartah with the ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k

Karnaim (2 Occurrences)

/k/karnaim.htm - 7k

Kattath (1 Occurrence)
... and Shimron (Joshua 19:15), perhaps to be identified with Kitron (Judges 1:30),
from which Zebulun did not expel the Canaanites; and with Kartah (Joshua 21:34 ...
/k/kattath.htm - 7k

Kartan (1 Occurrence)

/k/kartan.htm - 7k

Jokneam (5 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:34 To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites,
out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its suburbs, Kartah with its suburbs ...
/j/jokneam.htm - 9k

Jok'ne-am (3 Occurrences)
... And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of
the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with the open land about it, and Kartah with the ...
/j/jok'ne-am.htm - 7k

Grass-lands (42 Occurrences)
... 21:34 And to the rest of the Levites, that is, the families of the children of Merari,
they gave from the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam and Kartah with their grass ...
/g/grass-lands.htm - 17k

Merar'ite (2 Occurrences)
... And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of
the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with the open land about it, and Kartah with the ...
/m/merar'ite.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus