Zior is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the tribal allotments of Judah. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Zior" is believed to mean "smallness" or "littleness," reflecting perhaps its size or significance at the time.

Biblical Reference:

Zior is mentioned in Joshua 15:54, which lists the towns in the hill country of Judah: "Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior—nine cities, along with their villages" . This passage places Zior among a group of cities in the mountainous region, indicating its geographical setting within the territory of Judah.

Geographical and Historical Context:

The town of Zior is situated in the hill country, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and elevation. This area was part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah, one of the most prominent tribes of Israel. The hill country of Judah was known for its strategic importance and its fertile lands, which were suitable for agriculture and livestock.

While Zior itself is not frequently mentioned in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the list of cities within Judah's territory underscores its role as part of the broader community of settlements that contributed to the tribe's strength and resources. The towns in this region often served as administrative or military centers, providing support and protection for the surrounding rural areas.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological evidence for Zior is limited, and its exact location remains uncertain. However, scholars and archaeologists have attempted to identify possible sites based on historical records and geographical clues. The lack of extensive archaeological findings may be attributed to the town's small size or its absorption into larger neighboring cities over time.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Zior in the Bible, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including Judah, is a fulfillment of the covenant God made with the patriarchs. Each town and city, including Zior, represents a piece of this divine promise and the establishment of Israel as a nation in the land God provided.

Zior's inclusion in the biblical record, despite its apparent smallness, serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the detailed care with which the land was apportioned among His people.Zior

ship of him that watches

Zior

(smallness), a town in the mountain district of Judah. (Joshua 15:54) It belongs to the same group with Hebron.

Littleness, a city in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:54); the modern Si'air, 4 1/2 miles north-north-east of Hebron. ZIOR

zi'-or (tsi`or; Sorth, or Sior): A town in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:54); probably Si'air, 4 1/2 miles North-Northeast of Hebron where the Mukam `Aisa (Tomb of Esau) is now shown. It is a considerable village surrounded by cultivated land; a spring exists in the neighborhood; there are rock-cut tombs showing it is an ancient site (PEF, III, 309, Sh XXI).

6730. Tsior -- a place near Hebron
... 6729, 6730. Tsior. 6731 . a place near Hebron. Transliteration: Tsior
Phonetic Spelling: (tsee-ore') Short Definition: Zior. ... Zior. ...
/hebrew/6730.htm - 6kZior (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZIOR. ...Zior (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:54 Humtah,
Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. ...
/z/zior.htm - 7k

Zi'or (1 Occurrence)
Zi'or. Zior, Zi'or. Ziph . ... Zi'or (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:54 Humtah, Kiriath
Arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. (See RSV ...
/z/zi'or.htm - 6k

Zionward (1 Occurrence)

/z/zionward.htm - 6k

Kirjath-arba (8 Occurrences)
... And the land rested from war. (DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 15:54 and Humtah, and
Kirjath-Arba, that is, Hebron, and Zior: nine cities and their hamlets. (DBY WBS ...
/k/kirjath-arba.htm - 9k

Kiriath (34 Occurrences)
... NIV). Joshua 15:54 Humtah, Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior;
nine cities with their villages. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/k/kiriath.htm - 17k

Kiriath-arba (9 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE JPS NAS). Joshua 15:54 and Humtah, and Kiriath-arba ( the same is Hebron ),
and Zior; nine cities with their villages. (ASV BBE JPS NAS). ...
/k/kiriath-arba.htm - 9k

Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences)
... Hebron. (See RSV). Joshua 15:54 and Humtah, and Kiriath-arba--the same is Hebron,
and Zior; nine cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/k/kir'iath-ar'ba.htm - 9k

Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences)
... And the land had rest from war. (KJV). Joshua 15:54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba,
which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages: (KJV). ...
/k/kirjatharba.htm - 8k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... places. (BBE). Joshua 15:54 And Humtah, and Kiriath-arba (which is Hebron),
and Zior; nine towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Arba (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 15:54 Humtah, Kiriath Arba
(the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. ...
/a/arba.htm - 10k

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