### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qartâh**, represented by `{{H7177}}`, is a proper noun for a **city** in Palestine. Based on the root word for "city," its sole appearance in the Bible occurs once in one verse, identifying it as a specific location allocated during the division of the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single reference to `{{H7177}}` is found in the detailed records of the cities assigned to the Levites. In [[Joshua 21:34]], **Kartah** is listed as one of the cities given by the tribe of Zebulun to the Levite families descended from Merari. It is mentioned alongside the city of Jokneam, with the text specifying that both were given "with her suburbs," indicating the provision of surrounding pasture land for the priestly tribe [[Joshua 21:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify its significance:
* `{{H2074}}` **Zᵉbûwlûwn** (Zebulun): The tribe whose territory included Kartah. The definition is "Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe." This city was part of the land allotted to the descendants of **Zebulun** before being designated for the Levites [[Joshua 21:34]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Levite): A descendant of Levi. The **Levites** were the recipients of Kartah. As the priestly tribe, they did not receive a large territorial inheritance but were given cities within the lands of other tribes [[Deuteronomy 14:29]].
* `{{H4847}}` **Mᵉrârîy** (Merari): A son of Levi and ancestor of a major Levite clan. Kartah was specifically given to the "children of **Merari**" [[Joshua 21:34]], one of the three main family lines of the Levites [[Genesis 46:11]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburbs): The open land surrounding a city. The allocation of Kartah included its **suburbs**, providing the Levites with necessary space for pasture and sustenance [[Joshua 21:34]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H7177}}` contributes to the larger theological framework of God's covenant fulfillment with Israel.
* **Levitical Provision:** The granting of Kartah is a tangible example of God's command to provide for the **Levites** `{{H3881}}`. Though they had no tribal land portion, cities like Kartah ensured they were integrated throughout Israel and sustained by its people [[Numbers 35:2]].
* **Covenantal Order:** The specific assignment of this city from the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}` to the **families** `{{H4940}}` of **Merari** `{{H4847}}` demonstrates the meticulous and orderly fulfillment of God's instructions for settling the promised land.
* **A Lasting Remnant:** Kartah was allocated to "the **rest**" `{{H3498}}` of the Levites, referring to the Merarite families. This highlights the theme of a remnant being preserved and provided for according to divine promise [[Isaiah 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7177}}` **Qartâh** is more than just a place name on a map. While appearing only once, its significance is tied to the critical biblical narrative of the land allotment. It serves as a specific proof point of God's faithfulness in providing for the priestly tribe of Levi and in establishing every family of Israel in its designated place according to His divine plan.
TRV