### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qiryath Baʻal**, represented by `{{H7154}}`, is defined as **city of Baal**. This place name appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**. It designates a specific location in Palestine that was significant in the demarcation of tribal territory for Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7154}}` is mentioned during the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel. It is identified as a city on the western border of the inheritance for the children of Judah [[Joshua 18:14]]. This verse describes the boundary as being drawn from a hill near Bethhoron `{{H1032}}` southward, with its endpoint at Kirjathbaal `{{H7154}}`. In another account, it is listed as one of two cities, along with Rabbah `{{H7237}}`, that were given to Judah with their villages [[Joshua 15:60]]. In both instances, Scripture clarifies that Kirjathbaal is the same location as Kirjathjearim `{{H7157}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Kirjathbaal:
* `{{H7157}}` **Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym** (city of forests): This is the alternate name for Kirjathbaal ([[Joshua 15:60]], [[Joshua 18:14]]). This location would later become notable for housing the ark of God [[1 Samuel 7:2]].
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term is crucial in understanding Kirjathbaal's role as a geographical marker defining the territory of Judah [[Joshua 18:14]]. Borders were established as part of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people.
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): Kirjathbaal was a city assigned to the children of Judah [[Joshua 18:14]], the prominent southern tribe from which future rulers were prophesied to come [[Genesis 49:10]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): Kirjathbaal is explicitly called a city of Judah [[Joshua 18:14]]. This designation places it within the larger framework of Israel's civil and religious life, where cities were seen as places of community and potential worship [[Psalms 46:4]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7154}}` is revealed through its transformation within Israel's history.
* **Territorial Reclamation:** The name "city of Baal" points to a past associated with pagan worship. Its inclusion within the inheritance of Judah `{{H3063}}` and its identification as Kirjathjearim `{{H7157}}` signify its reclamation for God's covenant people.
* **Covenant Boundary:** Its position as a landmark on the **border** `{{H1366}}` of Judah's territory [[Joshua 18:14]] gives it a role in the physical establishment of God's promises to the nation.
* **Sanctified Purpose:** The most profound aspect of its story is that this location, Kirjathjearim, was chosen to house the Ark of the LORD for twenty years after its return from the Philistines [[1 Samuel 7:2]]. A place once named for a false god was ultimately consecrated by the presence of God's ark.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7154}}` is more than just a place name on a map. It represents a journey from a site with pagan roots to a defined border city within the tribe of Judah. Its story culminates in its transformation into Kirjathjearim, a place deemed worthy to host the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating a powerful theme of redemption and sanctification within the biblical narrative.
TRV