Kibzaim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the land of Canaan. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

Kibzaim is mentioned in Joshua 21:22, where it is listed among the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Ephraim. The verse states: "Kibzaim, and Beth-horon, with their pasturelands—four cities."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Kibzaim was situated in the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes, were instead given specific cities within the territories of the other tribes. These cities included pasturelands to support their livestock, as the Levites were dependent on the other tribes for their sustenance.

The exact location of Kibzaim is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned frequently in biblical or extrabiblical sources. However, its association with the tribe of Ephraim places it in the central hill country of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and strategic importance.

Theological Significance:

The allocation of cities like Kibzaim to the Levites underscores the unique role of the Levites in Israelite society. As the tribe set apart for priestly service, the Levites were distributed among the other tribes to facilitate religious instruction and maintain the spiritual life of the nation. This distribution also symbolized the integration of worship and daily life, as the presence of the Levites in various regions ensured that the worship of Yahweh was central to the community's existence.

The mention of Kibzaim, though brief, is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed listing of cities and their allocations reflects the orderly and divinely guided establishment of Israel in Canaan, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While archaeological evidence for Kibzaim specifically is lacking, the general region of Ephraim has been the subject of numerous archaeological studies. These studies have provided insights into the lifestyle, architecture, and agricultural practices of the ancient Israelites. The central hill country, where Kibzaim would have been located, was characterized by terraced farming and small, fortified settlements, reflecting the need for both agricultural productivity and defense against potential threats.

In summary, Kibzaim serves as a testament to the Levitical presence in Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. Its mention in the biblical text, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the distribution and function of the Levitical cities within the tribal system of ancient Israel.Kibzaim

congregation

Kibzaim

(two heaps), a city of Mount Ephraim, given up with its "suburbs" to the Kohathite Levites. (Joshua 21:22) In the parallel list of (1 Chronicles 6:1) JOKBEAM is substituted for Kibzaim. ver. (1 Chronicles 6:68)

Two heaps, a city of Ephraim, assigned to the Kohathite Levites, and appointed as a city of refuge (Joshua 21:22). It is also called Jokmeam (1 Chronicles 6:68). KIBZAIM

kib-za'-im, kib'-za-im See JOKMEAM.

6911. Qibtsayim -- "two heaps," a city in Ephraim
... 6910, 6911. Qibtsayim. 6912 . "two heaps," a city in Ephraim. Transliteration:
Qibtsayim Phonetic Spelling: (kib-tsah'-yim) Short Definition: Kibzaim. ... Kibzaim ...
/hebrew/6911.htm - 6kKibzaim (1 Occurrence)
...KIBZAIM. kib-za'-im, kib'-za-im See JOKMEAM. ...Kibzaim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 21:22
Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs; four cities. ...
/k/kibzaim.htm - 7k

Kib'za-im (1 Occurrence)
Kib'za-im. Kibzaim, Kib'za-im. Kick . ... Joshua 21:22 and Kibzaim with the open
land about it, and Beth-horon with the open land about it; four cities. (See RSV ...
/k/kib'za-im.htm - 6k

Kib'roth-hatta'avah (5 Occurrences)
Kib'roth-hatta'avah. Kibroth-hattaavah, Kib'roth-hatta'avah. Kibzaim .
Multi-Version Concordance ... (See RSV). Kibroth-hattaavah, Kib'roth-hatta'avah. Kibzaim...
/k/kib'roth-hatta'avah.htm - 7k

Jokmeam (2 Occurrences)
... Gezer and Beth-horon. Its place is taken by Kibzaim in Joshua 21:22 (in
Septuagint here the name is omitted). It is mentioned again ...
/j/jokmeam.htm - 8k

Grass-lands (42 Occurrences)
... with its grass-lands; (BBE). Joshua 21:22 And Kibzaim and Beth-horon with
their grass-lands, four towns. (BBE). Joshua 21:23 And from ...
/g/grass-lands.htm - 17k

Pasturelands (42 Occurrences)
... their suburbs. (See NIV). Joshua 21:22 Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth
Horon with its suburbs; four cities. (See NIV). Joshua 21 ...
/p/pasturelands.htm - 16k

Beth-hor'on (12 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 21:22 and Kibzaim with the open land about it, and
Beth-horon with the open land about it; four cities. (See RSV). ...
/b/beth-hor'on.htm - 9k

Suburbs (75 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT). Joshua 21:22 Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its
suburbs; four cities. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 21 ...
/s/suburbs.htm - 29k

Horon (13 Occurrences)
... This was the west quarter. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Joshua
21:22 Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs; four cities. ...
/h/horon.htm - 10k

Pasture (120 Occurrences)
... See NAS RSV). Joshua 21:22 Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with
its suburbs; four cities. (See NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 21:23 ...
/p/pasture.htm - 33k

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