Topical Encyclopedia Je'arim is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of geographical locations and tribal territories. The name Je'arim is associated with the region of Kiriath Jearim, a significant site in biblical history. The term "Je'arim" itself is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "forests" or "woods," indicating a wooded area or region.Biblical References: 1. Kiriath Jearim: The most notable mention of Je'arim is in connection with Kiriath Jearim, a city located in the territory of Judah. Kiriath Jearim is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in relation to the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath Jearim, where it remained for twenty years. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 7:1-2: "Then the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD. From that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, and the whole house of Israel lamented after the LORD." 2. Tribal Allotment: Kiriath Jearim is also mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It was one of the cities given to the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:9-10 describes the boundary lines of Judah's territory, including Kiriath Jearim: "Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron. Then it curved around to Baalah (that is, Kiriath Jearim)." 3. Historical Significance: Kiriath Jearim held a significant place in Israel's history, not only as a resting place for the Ark but also as a city that marked the boundary between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 13:5-6 when David sought to bring the Ark from Kiriath Jearim to Jerusalem: "So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, Kiriath Jearim, which belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name." Cultural and Theological Insights: The association of Je'arim with Kiriath Jearim highlights the importance of this location in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Kiriath Jearim underscores the city's role as a spiritual center during a transitional period in Israel's history. The Ark's stay in Kiriath Jearim symbolizes a time of waiting and preparation for the eventual establishment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship under King David. The wooded nature of the region, as implied by the name Je'arim, may have contributed to its selection as a temporary resting place for the Ark, providing a secluded and protected environment. The city's strategic location on the border of Judah and Benjamin also made it a significant landmark in the tribal landscape of Israel. In summary, Je'arim, through its association with Kiriath Jearim, represents a key geographical and spiritual site in the biblical narrative, reflecting the dynamic interplay between God's presence, the land, and the people of Israel. Concordance Je'arim (1 Occurrence)Joshua 15:10 Thesaurus Je'arim (1 Occurrence)Je'arim. Jearim, Je'arim. Jeaterai . Multi-Version Concordance Je'arim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:10 and the border turned about ... /j/je'arim.htm - 6k Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Jearim (19 Occurrences) Ma'haneh-dan (2 Occurrences) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Jeaterai (1 Occurrence) Kiriathsannah Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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