Kirjathaim is a town that keeps changing hands in Scripture. The tribe of Reuben builds it, along with Heshbon and Elealeh, as they settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:37). By the time Jeremiah speaks, it lies in Moab’s country, and his word against Moab says it is “confounded and taken” (Jeremiah 48:1). The same spelling is used for a city given to the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:76, so two different places may share the name. It is a small name, yet it traces how land and people shift across generations. Jeremiah 48 is the best chapter to read.
4 verses
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.
Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.
And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,
Matthew George Easton, 1897
Two cities; a double city. (1.) A city of refuge in Naphtali (1 Chr. 6:76).
(2.) A town on the east of Jordan (Gen. 14:5; Deut. 2:9, 10). It was assigned to the tribe of Reuben (Num. 32:37). In the time of Ezekiel (25:9) it was one of the four cities which formed the “glory of Moab” (comp. Jer. 48:1, 23). It has been identified with el-Kureiyat, 11 miles south-west of Medeba, on the south slope of Jebel Attarus, the ancient Ataroth.