What was Kirjath-arba?

Kirjath-arba, also known as Hebron, was an ancient city in southern Canaan, notable for its historical, theological, and redemptive significance in the Bible. The name Kirjath-arba (Hebrew: קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע, Qiryath Arba‘) means “City of Arba.” Arba was said to be the greatest man among the Anakim, a race of giants (Joshua 14:15), and the city was originally named after him. The city later became known as Hebron, a name meaning “association” or “friendship.”

Kirjath-arba is first mentioned in Genesis 23:2, where it is identified as the place where Sarah, Abraham’s wife, died and where Abraham negotiated to purchase the Cave of Machpelah for her burial. This event makes Kirjath-arba the first piece of land in Canaan that Abraham legally owned.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Genesis 23:2 – Sarah dies in Kirjath-arba, which is identified as Hebron in the land of Canaan.

• Genesis 35:27 – Isaac dwells in Hebron, the same place associated with Abraham and Sarah.

• Joshua 14:15 – Kirjath-arba is identified as the former name of Hebron, named after Arba.

• Joshua 21:11 – The city is designated as a Levitical city for the descendants of Aaron.

• Judges 1:10 – The sons of Judah fight against the Canaanites in Hebron, formerly called Kirjath-arba.

• Nehemiah 11:25 – Hebron is inhabited again after the exile.

What Happened in the Bible?

Kirjath-arba, later called Hebron, plays a prominent role in the unfolding narrative of God’s covenant with Abraham and the inheritance of the Promised Land. After Sarah’s death, Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site (Genesis 23). This act was a powerful demonstration of faith: though Abraham had been promised all of Canaan, he humbly bought a small piece of it, trusting that God would fulfill His promises in His time.

Later, Hebron was part of the territory allotted to Caleb, one of the two faithful spies who trusted in God’s promise to give Israel the land (Joshua 14:13-15). It became a symbol of inheritance, faithfulness, and victory over giants—both literal (Anakim) and spiritual.

Hebron was also one of the Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:7), where someone who committed accidental manslaughter could flee for safety until a fair trial was conducted. Additionally, it became a Levitical city, set apart for the priestly tribe of Levi (Joshua 21:11).

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Kirjath-arba stands as a testimony to God‘s faithfulness, justice, and redemptive plan. For believers today, it highlights several important truths:

• Faith despite delay: Abraham purchased land in faith, even though he didn’t live to see the full promise fulfilled. Christians are called to live by the same faith in the promises of God.

• God’s justice and refuge: As a City of Refuge, Hebron symbolized justice, mercy, and protection—qualities ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our true refuge (Hebrews 6:18).

• Victory over giants: The defeat of the Anakim in Hebron is a reminder that God enables His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, not by their strength, but by His power.

How Kirjath-arba Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Kirjath-arba points forward to Jesus Christ in several profound ways:

1. Jesus as the True Refuge: Just as Hebron was a City of Refuge, Jesus offers spiritual refuge to all who flee to Him from the judgment of sin (Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:1).

2. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Promise: Abraham believed God would give his descendants the land, and though he only owned a grave, he looked ahead to a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10). Jesus is the fulfillment of that heavenly promise, preparing a place for His people (John 14:2-3).

3. Victory through Christ: Caleb’s bold claim and conquest of Hebron foreshadow the Christian’s victory through faith in Jesus. The giants of sin, death, and the devil are defeated not by our power, but through Christ’s finished work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Broader Biblical Themes

Covenant and Promise

Kirjath-arba represents the unfolding of God’s covenant promises to Abraham. Though the fulfillment was partial in his lifetime, the location becomes a key symbol of God’s fidelity and long-term plan.

Inheritance and Rest

The city later becomes a place of inheritance and rest for God’s people, mirroring the ultimate rest believers have in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Faith and Perseverance

Abraham’s faith in buying the land and Caleb’s boldness in claiming it teach enduring trust in God’s timing and promises.

Redemption and Refuge

As a City of Refuge and Levitical city, Hebron was a place of safety and holiness. In Christ, these concepts are fully realized—He is both our sanctuary and the One who sanctifies.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Abraham’s purchase of land in Canaan encourage your trust in God’s promises, even when fulfillment seems distant?

2. In what ways can you imitate Caleb’s bold faith in facing life’s “giants” through the strength of the Lord?

3. How does the concept of a City of Refuge deepen your understanding of Jesus as your place of safety and mercy?

4. What does it mean to live like a sojourner with an eternal inheritance in view, as Abraham did?

5. How can remembering God’s faithfulness in places like Kirjath-arba strengthen your faith in uncertain seasons?

Kirjath-arba is more than just an ancient name; it is a location that reminds us of the enduring nature of God‘s promises, the refuge found in Christ, and the inheritance awaiting all who walk by faith.