Kiriath-jearim
After the Philistines returned the plague-bringing Ark of the Covenant, it came to rest at Kiriath-jearim in the house of Abinadab, where it remained for twenty years under the care of his son Eleazar before Samuel led Israel back to the LORD. It was from here that David later attempted to bring the ark to Jerusalem, an episode marked first by tragedy when Uzzah touched it and died, then by triumph when it finally arrived amid dancing and celebration. The town's long, quiet custody of the ark represents a season of waiting between judgment and the fuller restoration of Israel's worship.
Details
- Region
- Judah/Benjamin border
- Modern Location
- Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem
Key Passages
The Ark Rests at Kiriath-jearim
1 Samuel 7:1-2
The ark comes to rest in this town for twenty years, a long season of quiet custody before David would bring it to Jerusalem.
1nd the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
David Sets Out to Move the Ark
2 Samuel 6:2-4
David gathers Israel to bring the ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem - a journey that begins in tragedy before ending in joyful celebration.
2nd David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.