Etymology and Meaning
Kir'iath-je'arim, often translated as "City of Forests" or "City of Woods," is a significant location in biblical history. The name reflects its geographical setting, likely surrounded by wooded areas. It is also referred to as Baalah and Baale-judah in certain biblical passages.

Biblical References and Historical Significance
Kir'iath-je'arim is first mentioned in the context of the boundary descriptions of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is situated on the border of the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin. Joshua 15:9-10 describes its location: "Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron. Then it curved to Baalah (that is, Kir'iath-je'arim)."

One of the most notable events associated with Kir'iath-je'arim is the temporary resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kir'iath-je'arim, where it remained for twenty years. 1 Samuel 7:1-2 states, "So the men of Kir'iath-je'arim came for the Ark of the LORD and took it into the house of Abinadab on the hill. They consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the Ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, and the whole house of Israel lamented after the LORD."

The Ark's presence in Kir'iath-je'arim marked a period of spiritual renewal and longing for the Israelites, as they sought to return to the LORD after a time of neglect and idolatry. This period set the stage for the eventual anointing of King David, who later moved the Ark to Jerusalem.

Role in Israel's Monarchical History
During the reign of King David, Kir'iath-je'arim played a crucial role in the religious consolidation of Israel. David sought to bring the Ark from Kir'iath-je'arim to Jerusalem, establishing the city as the religious and political center of the nation. This event is recorded in 1 Chronicles 13:5-6 : "So David assembled all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the Ark of God from Kir'iath-je'arim. And David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kir'iath-je'arim) to bring up from there the Ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the Ark that is called by the Name."

Prophetic and Post-Exilic References
Kir'iath-je'arim is mentioned in the prophetic literature as well. In Jeremiah 26:20, the prophet Uriah, who prophesied against Jerusalem, is said to be from Kir'iath-je'arim. This indicates the town's continued existence and relevance during the prophetic era.

In the post-exilic period, Kir'iath-je'arim is listed among the towns where the returning exiles settled, as recorded in Nehemiah 7:29. This highlights its enduring presence in the history of Israel and its role in the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.

Archaeological Insights
Modern archaeological efforts have identified Kir'iath-je'arim with the site of Deir el-Azar, located west of Jerusalem. Excavations have revealed evidence of ancient occupation, including fortifications and artifacts that align with the biblical narrative. These findings provide a tangible connection to the historical and biblical significance of Kir'iath-je'arim.

Theological Implications
Kir'iath-je'arim serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of reverence for His presence. The Ark's sojourn in this town underscores the centrality of worship and obedience in the life of Israel. The narrative of Kir'iath-je'arim invites reflection on the themes of repentance, renewal, and the rightful place of God in the community of His people.Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Joshua 9:17
And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:9
And the border was drawn from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah--the same is Kiriath-jearim.
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:60
Kiriath-baal--the same is Kiriath-jearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:14
And the border was drawn and turned about on the west side southward, from the mountain that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kiriath-baal--the same is Kiriath-jearim--a city of the children of Judah; this was the west side.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:15
And the south side was from the uttermost part of Kiriath-jearim, and the border went out westward, and went out to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah.
(See RSV)

Joshua 18:28
and Zela, Eleph, and the Jebusite--the same is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
(See RSV)

Judges 18:12
and went up and encamped at Kir'iath-je'arim in Judah. On this account that place is called Ma'haneh-dan to this day; behold, it is west of Kir'iath-je'arim.
(DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 6:21
And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying: 'The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.'
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 7:1
And the men of Kiriath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 7:2
And it came to pass, from the day that the ark abode in Kiriath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years; and all the house of Israel yearned after the LORD.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:50
These were the sons of Caleb. The sons of Hur the first-born of Ephrath: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:52
And Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had sons: Haroeh, and half of the Menuhoth.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:53
And the families of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites, and the Eshtaolites.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 13:5
So David assembled all Israel together, from Shihor the brook of Egypt even unto the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 13:6
And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, the LORD that sitteth upon the cherubim, whereon is called the Name.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 1:4
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 7:29
The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 26:20
And also there hath been a man prophesying in the name of Jehovah, Urijah son of Shemaiah, of Kirjath-Jearim, and he prophesieth against this city, and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah,
(See RSV)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
Kir'iath-je'arim. Kiriath-jearim, Kir'iath-je'arim. Kiriathsannah .
Multi-Version Concordance Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences). ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

Ma'haneh-dan (2 Occurrences)
... Zorah and Esh'ta-ol. (DBY RSV). Judges 18:12 and went up and encamped at
Kir'iath-je'arim in Judah. On this account that place is ...
/m/ma'haneh-dan.htm - 7k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
Kiriath-jearim. Kiriathjearim, Kiriath-jearim. Kir'iath-je'arim . Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia KIRIATH-JEARIM. kir-i-ath je'-a ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

Kiriathsannah

/k/kiriathsannah.htm - 7k

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