Kattath is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following reference:

· Joshua 19:15 : "Included were Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem; there were twelve cities, along with their villages."

Geographical Context:

Kattath is listed among the cities within the territory assigned to the tribe of Zebulun. The precise location of Kattath is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned frequently in biblical texts. However, its inclusion in the list of cities suggests it was a recognized settlement during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The mention of Kattath in the context of Zebulun's inheritance highlights the process of land distribution among the tribes of Israel, a significant event in the history of the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. Each tribe received specific territories, which were to be their inheritance for generations. This distribution was seen as divinely ordained, with Joshua overseeing the allotment process.

The cities listed alongside Kattath, such as Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem (not to be confused with the more famous Bethlehem in Judah), indicate the diverse and strategic nature of the settlements within Zebulun's territory. These cities would have served as centers of administration, trade, and community life for the tribe.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, including the mention of cities like Kattath, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land was a tangible sign of God's covenant with His people, a place where they could live according to His laws and worship Him.

The distribution of land also reflects the importance of community and identity within the Israelite nation. Each tribe, with its specific inheritance, contributed to the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people. The cities and their surrounding villages were integral to maintaining the social and religious fabric of the nation.

Archaeological Considerations:

While Kattath's exact location remains uncertain, archaeological efforts in the region of ancient Zebulun continue to provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. Discoveries of ancient settlements, artifacts, and inscriptions contribute to a deeper understanding of the life and times of the Israelites during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

In summary, Kattath, though briefly mentioned, is part of the broader narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. Its inclusion in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the historical and theological significance of the land allotments to the tribes of Israel.Kattath

(small), one of cities of the tribe of Zebulun. (Joshua 19:15)

(Joshua 19:15), a town of Asher, has been identified with Kana el Jelil. (see CANA.) KATTATH

kat'-ath (qaTTath): A city in the territory of Zebulun, named with Iphtah-el, Nahalel, 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), which was given to the Merarite Levites. The Babylonian Talmud (Meg. 6a) identifies Kattath with Sepphoris, the modern Seffuriyeh (but see Neubauer, Geographie du Talmud, 191). The Jerusalem Talmud takes it as identical with Ketunith, Kuteineh, to the West of Esdraelon. It should probably, however, be sought near to Shimron, the modern Semuniyeh.

W. Ewing

7005. Qattath -- a city in Zebulun
... Kattath. From qatan; littleness; Kattath, a place in Palestine -- Kattath. see
HEBREW qatan. 7004, 7005. Qattath. 7006 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7005.htm - 6kKattath (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KATTATH. ... 6a) identifies Kattath with Sepphoris,
the modern Seffuriyeh (but see Neubauer, Geographie du Talmud, 191). ...
/k/kattath.htm - 7k

Kitron (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Knotty, a city of Zebulun (Judges 1:30), called also
Kattath (Joshua 19:15); supposed to be "Cana of Galilee.". Int. ...
/k/kitron.htm - 7k

Kattah (1 Occurrence)
... Kattah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah,
and Beth-lehem; twelve cities with their villages. (See NAS). ...
/k/kattah.htm - 6k

Kartah (2 Occurrences)
... It is identical with Kattath (19:15), and perhaps also with Kitron (Judges 1:30).
Int. ... Possibly it is a variant of KATTATH, or of KARTAN (which see). ...
/k/kartah.htm - 7k

Katydid (1 Occurrence)

/k/katydid.htm - 7k

Nahal'al (1 Occurrence)
... Nahal'al (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and
Idalah, and Beth-lehem; twelve cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/n/nahal'al.htm - 6k

Nahallal (1 Occurrence)
... Nahallal (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and
Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/n/nahallal.htm - 7k

Nahalal (2 Occurrences)
... Nahalal (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:15 Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem:
twelve cities with their villages. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/n/nahalal.htm - 7k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 19:15 And Kattath and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and
Beth-lehem; twelve towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

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