Topical Encyclopedia
Kiriathaim is a biblical location mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament. It is a town of historical and theological significance, primarily associated with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and later with the Moabites. The name "Kiriathaim" means "two cities" or "double city," suggesting a possible dual settlement or a city with two distinct parts.
Geographical and Historical ContextKiriathaim is situated east of the Jordan River, in the region historically known as Gilead. This area was initially allocated to the tribe of Reuben during the division of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The town is mentioned in the context of the territories conquered by the Israelites from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og.
Biblical References1.
Numbers 32:37 · "The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim." This verse indicates that Kiriathaim was one of the towns rebuilt by the tribe of Reuben after they settled in the Transjordan region. The rebuilding signifies the establishment and fortification of their inheritance.
2.
Joshua 13:19 · In the listing of the cities within the territory of Reuben, Kiriathaim is mentioned alongside other significant locations. This passage underscores its importance within the tribal allotment.
3.
Jeremiah 48:1 · "Concerning Moab: This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Woe to Nebo, for it will be laid waste. Kiriathaim will be captured; the fortress will be shattered and disgraced.'" Here, Kiriathaim is mentioned in a prophecy against Moab, indicating that by the time of Jeremiah, the town had come under Moabite control. The prophecy foretells its destruction as part of God's judgment against Moab.
4.
Ezekiel 25:9 · "Therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land." This verse also refers to Kiriathaim in the context of divine judgment against Moab, highlighting its significance as a notable city within Moabite territory.
Archaeological and Theological InsightsThe identification of Kiriathaim with modern archaeological sites remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some suggest it may correspond to the site of modern-day el-Qereiyat, though definitive evidence is lacking. Theologically, Kiriathaim serves as a testament to the shifting control of territories in the ancient Near East and the fulfillment of prophetic declarations concerning nations that opposed Israel.
Kiriathaim's mention in prophetic literature underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His divine purposes. The town's history reflects the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with neighboring peoples and the consequences of their actions in light of God's covenantal promises.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Kiriathaim[KIRJATHAIM]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KIRIATHAIMkir-i-aitha'-im (qiryathaym, "two cities"; the King James Version, Kirjathaim):
(1) A city in the uplands of Moab formerly held by Sihon, and given by Moses to Reuben, who is said to have fortified it (Numbers 32:37Joshua 13:19). It is named along with Elealeh and Nebo in the former passage, and with Sibmah in the latter. It was in the hands of Moab in Mesha's time, and he claims to have fortified it (M S, l.10). For Jeremiah (48:1, 23) and Ezekiel (25:9) it is a Moabite town. Eusebius, Onomasticon, identifies it with Coraitha, a Christian village 10 Roman miles West of Madeba. This is the modern Qaraiyat, about 11 miles West of Madeba, and 5 miles East of Macherus. This, however, may represent Kerioth, while the towns with which it is named would lead us to look for Kiriathaim to the North of Wady Zerqa Ma`in. From this city was named Shaveh-kiriathaim, "the plain of Kiriathaim" (Genesis 14:5).
(2) A city in the territory of Naphtali, assigned to the Gershonite Levites (1 Chronicles 6:76), corresponding to "Kartan" inJoshua 21:32.
W. Ewing
Strong's Hebrew
7741. Shaveh Qiryathayim -- a plain East of the Jordan... a plain East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Shaveh Qiryathayim Phonetic Spelling:
(shaw-vay' kir-yaw-thah'-yim) Short Definition: Shaveh-
kiriathaim.
...7156. Qiryathayim -- a city in Moab, also a place in Naphtali
... Qiryathayim. 7157 . a city in Moab, also a place in Naphtali. Transliteration:
Qiryathayim Phonetic Spelling: (keer-yaw-thah'-yim) Short Definition:Kiriathaim...
Library
The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his...
... that river, and a little north of the Dead Sea, Mach??rus is straight south of it,
about two and a half hours north-west of the ancientKiriathaim (the modern...
The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Kudur-lagamar defeated them one after another"the Rephaim near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim,
the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim, and the Horim on...
Thesaurus
Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences)...KIRIATHAIM.
... This, however, may represent Kerioth, while the towns with which it is
named would lead us to look for
Kiriathaim to the North of Wady Zerqa Ma`in.
...Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)
Shaveh-kiriathaim. Shavehkiriathaim, Shaveh-kiriathaim. Sha'veh-kiriatha'im .
Easton's Bible Dictionary... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHAVEH-KIRIATHAIM....
Kiriatha'im (5 Occurrences)
Kiriatha'im.Kiriathaim, Kiriatha'im. Kir'iatha'im .... Numbers 32:37 And the children
of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, andKiriathaim; (See RSV)....
Shavehkiriathaim
... north of Dibon, in the land of Moab. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SHAVEH-KIRIATHAIM. sha'-ve-kir-ya-tha'-im (shaweh qiryathayim...
Zereth-shahar (1 Occurrence)
... Sereda kai Seion, Codex Alexandrinus Sarth kai Sior): A town in the territory of
Reuben, "in the mount of the valley," named withKiriathaim and Sibmah (Joshua...
Zerethshahar (1 Occurrence)
... Sereda kai Seion, Codex Alexandrinus Sarth kai Sior): A town in the territory of
Reuben, "in the mount of the valley," named withKiriathaim and Sibmah (Joshua...
Emim (3 Occurrences)
... In the time of Abraham the Emim were living in the Moabite district of
Shaveh-kiriathaim, identified with the modern Kureiyat (Genesis 14:5). AH Sayce....
Meon (5 Occurrences)
... NIV). Jeremiah 48:23 and onKiriathaim, and on Beth Gamul, and on Beth Meon,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Ezekiel 25...
Misgab (1 Occurrence)
... MISGAB. mis'-gab (ha-misgabh; Codex Vaticanus Amath; Codex Alexandrinus to krataioma):
Named with Nebo andKiriathaim in the denunciation of doom against Moab...
Bethgamul (1 Occurrence)
... BETH-GAMUL. beth-ga'-mul (beth gamul; oikos Gaimol; Codex Sinaiticus, Gamola): A
city in Moab named with Dibon,Kiriathaim and Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23)....
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