Kiriath-arba, also known as Hebron, is a significant ancient city located in the southern part of the land of Canaan, which later became part of the territory of Judah. The name "Kiriath-arba" means "City of Arba," named after Arba, who was considered the greatest man among the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. This city holds considerable historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References and Significance

Kiriath-arba is first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. It is notably associated with Abraham, who settled in the region. Genesis 23:2 states, "So Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her." This passage highlights the city's role as a burial site for Sarah, Abraham's wife, and later for Abraham himself, as well as other patriarchs and matriarchs, in the Cave of Machpelah.

The city is also significant in the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 14:15 , it is noted, "Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war." This verse underscores the transition of the city from its Canaanite roots to becoming part of the Israelite inheritance, specifically within the tribe of Judah.

Role in the Conquest and Settlement

Kiriath-arba was a focal point during the conquest led by Joshua. Caleb, one of the two faithful spies, was granted this city as his inheritance due to his unwavering faith in God's promise. Joshua 15:13-14 records, "According to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, Caleb son of Jephunneh was given a portion among the tribe of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the forefather of Anak). And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak."

Cultural and Religious Importance

Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, became a Levitical city and a city of refuge, as described in Joshua 21:11-13 : "They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah, along with the fields and villages around the city. But they gave the fields and villages of the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession."

The city also served as a royal residence for King David before he established Jerusalem as the capital. 2 Samuel 2:1-3 recounts, "Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, 'Should I go up to one of the cities of Judah?' The LORD answered, 'Go up.' David asked, 'Where should I go?' 'To Hebron,' replied the LORD. So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel."

Archaeological and Historical Context

Archaeological excavations in the region of Hebron have uncovered significant findings that align with its biblical history. The ancient city has been continuously inhabited, and its historical layers reveal a rich tapestry of cultural and religious significance. The site of the Cave of Machpelah, traditionally identified as the burial place of the patriarchs, remains a place of pilgrimage and reverence.

In summary, Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, is a city deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the faith of the patriarchs, the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, and the enduring legacy of its historical and spiritual heritage.KIRIATH-ARBA

kir-i-ath-ar'-ba.

See HEBRON.

7153. Qiryath Arba -- "city of the four," an older name of Hebron
... of the four," an older name of Hebron. Transliteration: Qiryath Arba or Qiryath
Haarba Phonetic Spelling: (keer-yath' ar-bah') Short Definition: Kiriath-arba. ...
/hebrew/7153.htm - 6kKiriatharba (2 Occurrences)
... See HEBRON. Multi-Version Concordance Kiriatharba (2 Occurrences). Genesis 23:2
And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba ( the same is Hebron ), in the land of Canaan. ...
/k/kiriatharba.htm - 7k

Kiriath-arba (9 Occurrences)
Kiriath-arba. Kiriatharba, Kiriath-arba. Kir'iath-ar'ba . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... Kiriatharba, Kiriath-arba. Kir'iath-ar'ba . Reference Bible.
/k/kiriath-arba.htm - 9k

Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences)
... Mamre, to Kiriatharba--the same is Hebron--where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. (See
RSV). Joshua 14:15 Now the name of Hebron beforetime was Kiriath-arba, which ...
/k/kir'iath-ar'ba.htm - 9k

Arba (9 Occurrences)
... ARBA, CITY OF. See KIRIATH-ARBA. ... Arba (9 Occurrences). Genesis 23:2 Sarah died
in KiriathArba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan. ...
/a/arba.htm - 10k

Kiriath (34 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kiriath (34 Occurrences). Genesis 23:2 Sarah died
in KiriathArba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan. ...
/k/kiriath.htm - 17k

Hebron (71 Occurrences)
... Hebron is said to have been rounded before Zoan (ie Tanis) in Egypt (Numbers
13:22); its ancient name was Kiriath-arba, probably meaning the "Four Cities ...
/h/hebron.htm - 41k

Beforetime (21 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Joshua 14:15 Now the name of Hebron beforetime was
Kiriath-arba; which Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. ...
/b/beforetime.htm - 13k

Anak (8 Occurrences)
... To Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according
to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua, even KiriathArba, named after ...
/a/anak.htm - 9k

Ahiman (4 Occurrences)
... The most natural understanding of the Bible statements is certainly to the effect
that they were personal leaders among the Anakim of Kiriath-arba (Hebron). ...
/a/ahiman.htm - 10k

Earlier (48 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 14:15 In earlier times the name of Hebron had been Kiriath-arba, named
after Arba, the greatest of the Anakim. And the land had rest from war. ...
/e/earlier.htm - 21k

Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Othniel? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus