The Hebrew word Qartân, represented by H7178, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. The name itself is derived from a word meaning city-plot. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its role as a specific geographical location.
The sole appearance of H7178 is in the list of Levitical cities recorded in the book of Joshua. Kartan is identified as one of three H7969 cities H5892 allotted from the tribe H4294 of Naphtali H5321. The text specifies that it was given with its suburbs H4054, alongside the cities of Kedesh H6943 and Hammothdor H2576 Joshua 21:32.
Several related words help clarify the context of Kartan's mention:
- H5321 Naphtâlîy (Naphtali): This is the name of the tribe H4294 in whose territory Kartan was located. The name means "my wrestling" Genesis 30:8, and the tribe occupied land in the northern region of Galilee H1551 Joshua 20:7.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This term defines Kartan as a city, a settlement guarded by a watch. The Bible describes cities as places of refuge Numbers 35:11 and centers of community that were to be built and kept by the Lord Psalms 127:1.
- H4054 migrâsh (suburb): Kartan was given with its suburbs, which were the open pasture lands surrounding a city. God specifically commanded that the Levites be given cities with these suburbs for their possession Numbers 35:2.
- H6943 Qedesh (Kedesh): A city mentioned in the same list as Kartan, Kedesh was a designated city of refuge H4733 in Galilee H1551 within the territory of Naphtali H5321 Joshua 21:32.
The mention of H7178 carries significance primarily through its context within Israel's national and religious structure.
- Levitical Provision: The allocation of Kartan as a Levitical city H5892 is part of the fulfillment of God's command to provide for the tribe of Levi, which received cities among the other tribes instead of a single land inheritance Numbers 35:2.
- Geographic Distribution: Its placement within the tribe H4294 of Naphtali H5321 illustrates the strategic dispersal of the Levites throughout Israel, ensuring their presence and priestly functions were available to all the people.
- Association with Justice: While not explicitly named a city of refuge itself, Kartan is listed with Kedesh H6943, which was a city of refuge H4733 for the slayer H7523 Joshua 21:32. This places it in a region designated for upholding justice and providing asylum.
In summary, H7178 Qartân is more than just a place name on a map. Its single mention in Scripture provides a concrete example of God's covenant faithfulness in providing for the priestly tribe. It represents a piece of the intricate system of Levitical cities that integrated the Levites into the fabric of the nation, ensuring that law, worship, and justice were established throughout the land of Israel as allotted to the tribes.
TRV