The Hebrew word Qiryâthayim, represented by H7156, means double city. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify two different places in Palestine, with spellings including Kiriathaim and Kirjathaim.
In the biblical narrative, H7156 is mentioned in two distinct geographical contexts. It appears as a prominent city in Moab, listed alongside other Moabite locations like Nebo H5015 and Baalmeon H1186. In this context, it is a subject of divine judgment, with the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 declaring that Kiriathaim is confounded H3001 and taken H3920 Jeremiah 48:1. It is also described as part of the "glory H6643 of the country H776" on Moab's frontiers H7097 that the LORD will open H6605 for judgment Ezekiel 25:9. Separately, Kirjathaim is a city built H1129 by the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 Numbers 32:37 and later listed as part of their inheritance in the mount H2022 of the valley H6010 Joshua 13:19. A third reference identifies a Kirjathaim given to the tribe H4294 of Naphtali H5321 1 Chronicles 6:76.
The context of Qiryâthayim is clarified by several associated terms:
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This primitive root describes the action taken by the children of Reuben, who built Kirjathaim as one of their cities Numbers 32:37.
- H4124 Môwʼâb (Moab): This name for the territory and descendants of Lot's son is the primary setting for prophecies against Kiriathaim, establishing it as a key Moabite city (Jeremiah 48:1, Ezekiel 25:9).
- H7205 Rᵉʼûwbên (Reuben): As a son of Jacob, his descendants formed the tribe of Reuben, which built and possessed one of the cities named Kirjathaim Numbers 32:37.
- H4054 migrâsh (suburb): This term, meaning an open area around a city, is used to describe the city of Kirjathaim and its associated lands that were given to the tribe of Naphtali 1 Chronicles 6:76.
While a place name, the use of H7156 carries theological weight concerning God's actions toward nations and His covenant with Israel.
- Divine Judgment Over Nations: The city of Kiriathaim in Moab serves as a specific object of God's proclaimed judgment. The prophecy that it would be spoiled H7703 and confounded H3001 demonstrates the sovereignty of the God H430 of Israel H3478 over all peoples and lands Jeremiah 48:1.
- Fulfillment of Tribal Inheritance: The mention of Kirjathaim as a city built by Reuben Numbers 32:37 and as a town with suburbs H4054 for Naphtali 1 Chronicles 6:76 underscores the theme of God fulfilling His promise to allot land to the tribes of Israel.
- Glory and Consequence: Ezekiel describes Kiriathaim as part of the "glory H6643 of the country H776" of Moab, highlighting that even a place of prominence and pride is not exempt from being opened to judgment by the LORD Ezekiel 25:9.
In summary, Qiryâthayim H7156 is a place name that serves distinct purposes in the biblical record. In its Moabite context, it stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and His judgment upon the nations. In its Israelite context, it represents the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises of land and inheritance to the tribes of Reuben and Naphtali. The accounts of this "double city" illustrate how specific locations are woven into the larger narrative of God's authority and faithfulness.
TRV