Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Kezib is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the genealogies and territorial descriptions of the tribe of Judah. The specific reference to Kezib is found in Genesis 38:5, where it is noted as the place where Judah's wife, the daughter of Shua, bore him a son named Shelah: "Yet again she bore a son, and she named him Shelah; it was at Kezib that she gave birth to him" (Genesis 38:5). Location and Historical Context: Kezib is identified as a town in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. Its exact location is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the lowland region of Judah, possibly near the area of Adullam. The name Kezib is sometimes associated with Achzib, another town mentioned in the tribal allotments of Judah (Joshua 15:44). This connection suggests that Kezib may have been a significant settlement during the time of the patriarchs and the early Israelite settlement in Canaan. Cultural and Theological Significance: The mention of Kezib in the narrative of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) provides insight into the familial and tribal dynamics of the time. The birth of Shelah at Kezib is a pivotal moment in the account, as it sets the stage for the subsequent events involving Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law. The narrative highlights themes of family lineage, covenant promises, and the unfolding of God's plan through the tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah would eventually come. In the broader biblical context, the account of Judah and Tamar, with its mention of Kezib, underscores the importance of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst human failure and moral complexity. The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 1:3) includes Perez, the son of Judah and Tamar, illustrating how God works through imperfect circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Archaeological and Scholarly Insights: While Kezib itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeological studies, the general region of Judah has been extensively explored, providing valuable insights into the historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narrative. The lowland areas of Judah, where Kezib is thought to have been located, were known for their agricultural productivity and strategic importance, factors that would have influenced the settlement patterns of the tribes of Israel. Scholars continue to study the genealogical and territorial records of the Old Testament to better understand the historical realities of ancient Israel. The mention of specific locations like Kezib serves as a reminder of the tangible, historical context in which the biblical events unfolded, grounding the spiritual and theological messages of Scripture in real-world settings. Strong's Hebrew 3580. Kezib -- a place in the plain of Judah... 3579, 3580. Kezib. 3581 . a place in the plain of Judah. Transliteration: Kezib Phonetic Spelling: (kez-eeb') Short Definition: Chezib. ... Kezib. 3581 . ... /hebrew/3580.htm - 6k Thesaurus Kezib (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Kezib (1 Occurrence). Genesis 38:5 She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him. (See NIV). ... /k/kezib.htm - 6k Kezi'ah (1 Occurrence) Keziz (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Kezib (1 Occurrence)Genesis 38:5 Subtopics Related Terms |