Kirjathbaal
Jump to: Smith'sISBEConcordanceThesaurusSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
Kirjathbaal, also known as Kiriath-baal, is a name that translates to "City of Baal." The name reflects the Canaanite influence in the region, as Baal was a prominent deity in the Canaanite pantheon. The name suggests that the city was once a center of Baal worship before the Israelite conquest.

Biblical References
Kirjathbaal is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:60, the city is listed as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah: "Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), and Rabbah—two cities, along with their villages." This indicates that Kirjathbaal was synonymous with Kiriath-jearim, a city with significant biblical history.

Historical and Geographical Context
Kirjathbaal, or Kiriath-jearim, was located in the hill country of Judah. It played a notable role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The city is situated near the border of the tribe of Benjamin, which may have contributed to its strategic importance.

Significance in Israelite History
Kiriath-jearim is most famously known as the location where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This period was marked by a spiritual renewal among the Israelites, as they lamented after the LORD.

The city's association with the Ark underscores its religious significance during this era. It served as a temporary sanctuary for the Ark until King David eventually moved it to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1-15).

Archaeological Insights
Modern archaeological efforts have identified Kiriath-jearim with the site of Deir el-Azar, near the modern town of Abu Ghosh, west of Jerusalem. Excavations have revealed evidence of ancient occupation, including fortifications and artifacts that align with the biblical narrative of a significant settlement during the Iron Age.

Theological Implications
The transformation of Kirjathbaal into a city associated with the Ark of the Covenant illustrates the broader theme of the Israelites' struggle against idolatry and their efforts to establish a society centered on the worship of Yahweh. The city's history reflects the transition from Canaanite religious practices to the monotheistic worship that defined Israelite identity.

Conclusion
Kirjathbaal, or Kiriath-jearim, holds a place of importance in biblical history as a site of religious and cultural transformation. Its role in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant highlights the city's significance in the spiritual life of ancient Israel.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Kirjathbaal

[KIRJATH-JEARIM]

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KIRJATH-BAAL

kur-jath-ba'-al, kir-jath-ba'-al.

See KIRIATH-JEARIM.

Thesaurus
Kirjathbaal (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kirjathbaal (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:60 Kirjathbaal,
which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages: (KJV). ...
/k/kirjathbaal.htm - 7k

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... Kirjathjearim: (KJV). Joshua 15:60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and
Rabbah; two cities with their villages: (KJV). Joshua 18 ...
/k/kirjathjearim.htm - 13k

Kirjath-arim (1 Occurrence)
Kirjath-arim. Kirjatharim, Kirjath-arim. Kirjathbaal . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Kirjatharim, Kirjath-arim. Kirjathbaal . Reference Bible
/k/kirjath-arim.htm - 6k

Kirjath-baal (2 Occurrences)
Kirjath-baal. Kirjathbaal, Kirjath-baal. Kirjathhuzoth . Int. ... (DBY WBS YLT).
Kirjathbaal, Kirjath-baal. Kirjathhuzoth . Reference Bible.
/k/kirjath-baal.htm - 7k

Compassed (52 Occurrences)
... and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before
Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is ...
/c/compassed.htm - 22k

Goings (42 Occurrences)
... and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before
Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is ...
/g/goings.htm - 22k

Corner (60 Occurrences)
... and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before
Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is ...
/c/corner.htm - 33k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before
Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Drawn (131 Occurrences)
... and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before
Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is ...
/d/drawn.htm - 37k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Kirjathbaal (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:60
Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
(KJV)

Joshua 18:14
And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.
(KJV)

Subtopics

Kirjathbaal

Related Terms

Kirjath-baal (2 Occurrences)

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence)

Kirjath-arim (1 Occurrence)

Compassed (52 Occurrences)

Goings (42 Occurrences)

Limits (69 Occurrences)

Corner (60 Occurrences)

Lieth (135 Occurrences)

Drawn (131 Occurrences)

Hamlets (38 Occurrences)

Thence (152 Occurrences)

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)

Hill (217 Occurrences)

Kirjath-Arim
Top of Page
Top of Page