What was Kirjath?

Kirjath (Hebrew: Qiryath, קִרְיַת) is a Hebrew term meaning “city” or “town.” It often appears in compound place names throughout the Old Testament, such as Kirjath-arba, Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-sepher, and others. In Joshua 18:28, “Kirjath” is mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin. There, it appears in the phrase “Kirjath, which is Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim),” a significant city located on the border of Judah and Benjamin.

Although “Kirjath” on its own simply means “city,” when listed among tribal allotments, it identifies specific towns that held cultural, strategic, or religious significance in Israel’s history.

Biblical References

The name Kirjath appears in several places, often as a prefix. The specific mention in Joshua 18:28 is within the list of towns allotted to the tribe of Benjamin:

“Zelah, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah and Kiriath—fourteen towns and their villages. This was the inheritance of Benjamin for its clans.” — Joshua 18:28, NIV

Other references include:

• Kirjath-arba – Another name for Hebron (Genesis 23:2; Joshua 14:15)

• Kirjath-jearim – A city where the Ark of the Covenant rested (Joshua 15:9; 1 Samuel 7:1)

• Kirjath-sepher – Also known as Debir, conquered by Othniel (Joshua 15:15)

Explanation of the Biblical Role

In the context of Joshua 18, the tribe of Benjamin was assigned a portion of the Promised Land after the conquest of Canaan. The land was divided by lot under the leadership of Joshua, and Kirjath was one of the cities that fell within Benjamin’s territory. These assignments were not just territorial decisions but expressions of God’s providence and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Kirjath in this list is likely Kirjath-jearim, a site of major historical importance. It was associated with the Ark of the Covenant after it was returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1-2). As such, this city was not just a geographical marker but a place of deep spiritual significance.

Historical and Geographic Significance

Kirjath-jearim (City of Forests), believed to be the city referenced as “Kirjath” in Joshua 18, lay on the boundary between the tribal lands of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:9; 18:14-15). It played a prominent role during the time of Samuel when the Ark was brought there from Beth-shemesh.

Historically, the use of “Kirjath” as a root word in place names signified established and fortified cities. These places were often centers of administration or worship. As Israel transitioned from a nomadic to a settled life, the cities with names beginning in “Kirjath” marked key locations in the unfolding of Israel‘s national and spiritual identity.

Theological Implications

Kirjath, particularly as part of Benjamin’s inheritance, represents the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises. The division of land among the tribes symbolizes God’s gift of rest to His people (Deuteronomy 12:10; Hebrews 4:8-9).

Furthermore, Kirjath-jearim was a temporary resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, which prefigures God’s dwelling among His people. This points forward to the greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Just as the Ark rested temporarily in Kirjath-jearim, Jesus tabernacled among us temporarily during His earthly ministry (John 1:14), and now the Holy Spirit indwells believers permanently, fulfilling God’s plan to dwell with His people.

Literary Analysis

The recurrence of the term “Kirjath” in compound city names shows the structured nature of biblical geography and the emphasis on identity through place. The writers of Scripture often used place names to highlight theological truths or memorialize God’s acts. These names remind readers of significant events, covenants, and divine interventions.

The city lists in Joshua, including Kirjath, demonstrate Israel’s shift from wandering to settlement, from promise to possession. These lists are not dry inventories; they are declarations of covenant faithfulness.

Cross-References

• Genesis 17:8 – God promises Abraham the land of Canaan.

• Numbers 34:1-12 – Boundaries of the Promised Land.

• Joshua 14:1-5 – Inheritance assigned to the tribes by lot.

• 1 Samuel 7:1-2 – The Ark stays in Kirjath-jearim.

• Psalm 132:6 – Possibly referencing the Ark in the fields of Jaar (Kirjath-jearim).

• Hebrews 4:8-9 – The ultimate rest promised in Christ.

Application for Today’s Christians

For today’s believers, Kirjath and its related cities remind us that God keeps His promises. Just as He gave Israel the land He had sworn to give, so He fulfills His promises to His people today. The temporary lodging of the Ark in Kirjath-jearim reminds us that our current life is a pilgrimage, looking forward to the eternal dwelling of God with His people in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-3).

The name Kirjath, meaning “city,” also invites reflection on our citizenship in God’s kingdom. As Paul writes, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). We are not defined by earthly geography but by our belonging to Christ and His people.

How Kirjath Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Kirjath-jearim, a temporary home for the Ark, prefigures Christ as the true tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11). Just as the presence of God rested in the Ark and later in the Temple, so now Jesus is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.

Moreover, the transition from a place-bound presence (like Kirjath) to the universal indwelling of the Spirit in the Church reflects the gospel’s power to bring God’s presence to all believers, not just to a city or tribe.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Covenant Fulfillment – God gave the land as He promised.

• God’s Presence – Through the Ark, and ultimately through Jesus.

• Rest and Inheritance – Both physical (land) and spiritual (salvation).

• Pilgrimage to Permanence – From temporary dwelling (Kirjath) to eternal home (New Jerusalem).

Reflection Questions

1. What does the mention of Kirjath in Benjamin’s inheritance teach us about God’s faithfulness to His promises?

2. How does the temporary resting of the Ark in Kirjath-jearim help us understand the unfolding plan of God’s presence with His people?

3. In what ways do place names in the Bible carry deeper theological meaning?

4. How does the idea of inheritance in Joshua point forward to the Christian’s inheritance in Christ?

5. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God’s promise of “rest” more fully?

Kirjath, though often a simple prefix in city names, serves as a rich theological and historical signpost of God’s work in redemptive history—from Israel’s inheritance to Christ’s indwelling presence in the believer today.