Kedesh (1)
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Levitical city and city of refuge located in the northern region of ancient Israel.
What is the meaning of Kedesh (1) in the Bible?
Kedesh was a Levitical city assigned to the Gershonite clan within the territory of Naphtali, functioning as a designated city of refuge for those accused of unintentional homicide.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Kedesh clarifies the geographical distribution of Levitical settlements and the implementation of asylum laws in the northern tribes, providing context for narratives involving figures like Barak and the distribution of land in the Book of Joshua.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kedesh (1) (located near modern Tell Qades, near Kiryat Shmona, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Kedesh (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Kedesh (1) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Kedesh (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kedesh-1/