Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Keziz is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is identified as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin. The reference to Keziz is found in Joshua 18:21, which lists the cities and towns that were apportioned to the Benjamites as part of their territorial inheritance in the Promised Land.Biblical Reference: · Joshua 18:21 : "Now the cities of the tribe of Benjamin according to their clans were: Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz," Geographical Context: Keziz is described as being in the "valley" or "Emek," which suggests it was located in a low-lying area. The term "Emek" in Hebrew often refers to a broad, flat valley, which would have been suitable for agriculture and settlement. The exact location of Keziz is not definitively known today, and it does not appear prominently in other biblical narratives or historical records outside of this listing. Historical and Cultural Significance: As part of the tribal inheritance of Benjamin, Keziz would have been significant to the Benjamites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a strategic position in the central highlands of Canaan, with its territory serving as a buffer between the northern and southern tribes. This location was crucial for trade, military, and cultural exchanges. The tribe of Benjamin is notable for producing several key figures in Israelite history, including King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. While Keziz itself is not directly associated with these figures, it forms part of the broader heritage and landscape of the tribe. Theological Implications: The mention of Keziz in the biblical text underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it symbolized the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's sovereignty. In a broader theological context, the allocation of specific territories to each tribe, including Benjamin, reflects the order and purpose inherent in God's plan for His people. Each tribe's inheritance was not only a physical possession but also a spiritual responsibility, as the Israelites were called to live according to God's laws and to be a light to the surrounding nations. Archaeological Insights: While Keziz itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeological studies, the region of Benjamin has been the subject of extensive archaeological research. Discoveries in this area have provided insights into the daily life, culture, and religious practices of the ancient Israelites during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. Conclusion: Keziz, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of biblical geography and history. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Benjamin highlights the detailed record-keeping and the significance of land distribution in the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary KezizSmith's Bible Dictionary Keziz(cut off), The valley of, one of the "cities" of Benjamin, (Joshua 18:21) and the eastern border of the tribe. Easton's Bible Dictionary Abrupt; cut off, a city of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:21). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KEZIZke'-ziz (qetsits). VALLEY OF KEZIZ See EMEK-KEZIZ. Strong's Hebrew 7104. Qetsits -- a city in Benjamin... 7103, 7104. Qetsits. 7105 . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Qetsits Phonetic Spelling: (kets-eets') Short Definition: Emek-keziz. ... Keziz. ... /hebrew/7104.htm - 6k 6010. emeq -- a vale Thesaurus Keziz (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KEZIZ. ke'-ziz (qetsits). See EMEK-KEZIZ. VALLEY OF KEZIZ. See EMEK-KEZIZ. Multi-Version Concordance Keziz (1 Occurrence). ... /k/keziz.htm - 7k Emek-keziz (1 Occurrence) Emekkeziz Emek-ke'ziz (1 Occurrence) Uncertain (13 Occurrences) Kezib (1 Occurrence) Khan Emek (2 Occurrences) Beth-hoglah (2 Occurrences) Bethhoglah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Keziz (1 Occurrence)Joshua 18:21 Subtopics Keziz: A Valley and City of the Tribe of Benjamin Related Terms |