Debir, an ancient Canaanite city, is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is located in the hill country of Judah, southwest of Hebron. The city is also referred to as Kiriath-sepher and Kiriath-sannah in various biblical passages. The inhabitants of Debir were Canaanites, a people known for their fortified cities and idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Conquest by Joshua

The first significant mention of Debir and its inhabitants occurs during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua. In Joshua 10:38-39 , it is recorded: "Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned back to Debir and fought against it. And they captured it and its king and all its villages. They struck them down with the sword and completely destroyed all the people, leaving no survivors. So Joshua did to Debir and its king as he had done to Hebron and to Libnah and its king."

This passage highlights the complete destruction of the inhabitants of Debir as part of the broader campaign to claim the Promised Land for the Israelites. The annihilation of the Canaanite population was seen as a divine mandate to purify the land from idolatry and establish a nation dedicated to the worship of Yahweh.

Allotment to the Tribe of Judah

Following the conquest, Debir was allotted to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. Joshua 15:49 lists Debir among the cities in the hill country given to Judah: "Dannah, Kiriath-sannah (that is, Debir)." This allocation underscores the strategic and spiritual significance of Debir within the tribal territories of Israel.

Caleb and Othniel

The narrative of Caleb and Othniel further emphasizes the importance of Debir. Caleb, a leader from the tribe of Judah, offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would capture Debir. Othniel, Caleb's nephew, successfully conquered the city, as recorded in Judges 1:12-13 : "And Caleb said, 'To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage.' So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him in marriage."

This account not only highlights the valor and faith of Othniel but also illustrates the integration of Debir into the Israelite community through familial and tribal alliances.

Cultural and Religious Context

The inhabitants of Debir, like other Canaanite populations, practiced polytheism and engaged in religious practices that were abominable to the Israelites, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution. The destruction of Debir's inhabitants was part of a broader divine directive to eliminate these influences and establish a society centered on the worship of Yahweh.

The biblical narrative concerning Debir and its inhabitants serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israel as a nation set apart for His purposes. The city's conquest and subsequent integration into the tribal system of Israel reflect the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through His chosen people.