Bible Dictionary
Kirjath-jearim
Kirjath-jearim, meaning “city of forests,” was a Gibeonite town assigned to Judah and Benjamin. The ark remained there for many years before David brought it to Jerusalem.
Definition
Kirjath-jearim means “city of forests” or “city of woods.” It was a Gibeonite town on the border of Benjamin and was assigned to that tribe. It was also called Baalah and Kirjath-baal.
Biblical Usage
The ark was brought from Beth-shemesh to Kirjath-jearim and placed in the charge of Abinadab, a Levite. It remained there until David removed it to Jerusalem. Psalm 132 refers to the ark’s sojourn in the fields of the wood.
Historical Background
The city has been identified with Kuriet el-‘Enab, though ‘Erma has also been proposed. It lay among the hills, near Beth-shemesh, and was associated with the boundaries of Judah and Benjamin.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
City of jaars; i.e., of woods or forests, a Gibeonite town (Josh. 9:17) on the border of Benjamin, to which tribe it was assigned (18:15, 28). The ark was brought to this place (1 Sam. 7:1, 2) from Beth-shemesh and put in charge of Abinadab, a Levite. Here it remained till it was removed by David to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:2, 3, 12; 1 Chr. 15:1-29; comp. Ps. 132). It was also called Baalah (Josh. 15:9) and Kirjath-baal (60). It has been usually identified with Kuriet el-‘Enab (i.e., “city of grapes”), among the hills, about 8 miles north-east of ‘Ain Shems (i.e., Beth-shemesh). The opinion, however, that it is to be identified with ‘Erma, 4 miles east of ‘Ain Shems, on the edge of the valley of Sorek, seems to be better supported. (See KIRJATH.) The words of Ps. 132:6, “We found it in the fields of the wood,” refer to the sojourn of the ark at Kirjath-jearim. “Wood” is here the rendering of the Hebrew word jaar, which is the singular of jearim.