Kithlish
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Topical Encyclopedia
Kithlish is a town mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The reference to Kithlish can be found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Reference:

In the Book of Joshua, Kithlish is mentioned in the following passage:

· Joshua 15:40 : "Kabbon, Lahmas, Kithlish,"

This verse is part of a larger section that enumerates the towns and villages that were allocated to the tribe of Judah. Kithlish is included in a list of cities situated in the lowland region, also known as the Shephelah, which is characterized by its fertile plains and strategic location between the central highlands and the coastal plain.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Kithlish is not definitively known today, as it has not been conclusively identified with any modern archaeological site. However, it is generally understood to have been situated in the southern part of the Shephelah, an area that played a significant role in the history of ancient Israel due to its agricultural productivity and its position as a buffer zone between the Philistine cities on the coast and the Israelite settlements in the hill country.

The Shephelah was a region of frequent conflict, particularly between the Israelites and the Philistines, as evidenced by numerous biblical accounts of battles and skirmishes. The towns in this area, including Kithlish, would have been important for both defense and agriculture, contributing to the sustenance and security of the tribe of Judah.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Kithlish, along with other towns in the tribal allotments, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed listing of cities in the Book of Joshua serves to affirm the historical reality of Israel's settlement in the land and the divine orchestration of their inheritance.

The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Each town and village, including Kithlish, represents a tangible expression of God's provision and the establishment of Israel as a nation in accordance with His divine plan.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While Kithlish itself has not been excavated or identified with certainty, the broader region of the Shephelah has yielded significant archaeological findings that illuminate the cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative. Excavations in nearby sites have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide insights into the daily life, trade, and military activities of the inhabitants during the biblical period.

These findings contribute to our understanding of the socio-political dynamics of the region, the interactions between different peoples, and the role of towns like Kithlish in the broader landscape of ancient Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Kithlish

it is a wall; the company of a lioness

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Kithlish

(man's wall), one of the towns of Judah, in the Shefelah or lowland. (Joshua 15:40)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
A man's wall, a town in the plain of Judah (Joshua 15:40). It has been identified with Jelameh.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KITHLISH

kith'-lish (kithlish).

See CHITLISH.

Strong's Hebrew
3798. Kithlish -- a city in Judah
... 3797, 3798. Kithlish. 3799 . a city in Judah. Transliteration: Kithlish Phonetic
Spelling: (kith-leesh') Short Definition: Chitlish. ... Kithlish. ...
/hebrew/3798.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Kithlish (1 Occurrence)
...KITHLISH. kith'-lish (kithlish). See CHITLISH. ...Kithlish (1 Occurrence). Joshua
15:40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/k/kithlish.htm - 7k

Kitlish (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kitlish (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:40
and Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish, (See NIV). ...
/k/kitlish.htm - 6k

Chitlish (1 Occurrence)
... kit'-lish (kithlish, "separation"; the King James Version Kithlish, the English
Revised Version "Chithlish," kith'lish): A town named with Lahman and Gederoth ...
/c/chitlish.htm - 6k

Kites (1 Occurrence)

/k/kites.htm - 6k

Lahman (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lahman (1 Occurrence). Joshua
15:40 And Cabbon, and Lahman, and Kithlish, (WBS). ...
/l/lahman.htm - 6k

Gederoth (2 Occurrences)
... GEDEROTH. ged'-e-roth, ge-de'-roth (gedheroth): A town in the Shephelah of Judah,
named with Kithlish, Beth-dagon, Naamah and Makkedah (Joshua 15:41). ...
/g/gederoth.htm - 7k

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