Khirbet Kefireh
| Khirbet Kefireh | |
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| Site plan. | |
 Shown within Israel
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| Location |  Israel |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 31°49′51″N 35°06′24″E / 31.8309°N 35.106769°E |
Khirbet Kefireh (alt. sp., Kefire, el-Kefirah; coordinates 1602.1375) is a modern town just north of Katana, Israel on a hilltop covering about 4-5 acres. It appears in the Survey of Western Palestine map compiled in the 1870s, and most Bible dictionaries identify it with Chephirah.[1][2]
Karel Vriezen extensively surveyed the site during September 1970, June and July 1973, and again in March and July 1974. The site contains two major sections: an upper citadel on the east side near its elevation peak (774 m), and a lower village on the west side. Additionally, three graves were examined about 150 meters to the northeast of the site.[3]
Vriezen found evidence for major architectural changes dating to the Iron-II and Byzantine eras, and pottery shards spanning the Early Bronze, Iron I, Iron II, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. Highlights include a jar handle bearing a LMLK seal impression,[4] and another handle bearing a pre-fired plus (+) mark.[5]
The walls of the site included nine towers, three gates, and an entrance. A cistern and a quarry were found enclosed within the city walls.
Excavations are no longer possible due to the presence of modern habitations.
[edit] Notes
- ^ International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: "It is represented by the modern Kefireh, to the Southwest of Gibeon, and North of Karyat el-`Anab. It stands on high ground, with many ancient remains."
- ^ Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible: "The city has been identified with modern Khirbet el-Kefireh (160137), ca. 8km. (5 mi.) WSW of el-Jib (Gibeon)."
- ^ ZDPV 91, Abb. 2.
- ^ ZDPV 91, p. 143.
- ^ ZDPV 91, p. 146.
[edit] References
- Keel, O. and Küchler, M. (1982). Orte und Landschaften der Bibel II. Der Süden, Zürich & Göttingen. pp. 802.
- Rainey, Anson F. and Notley, R. Steven (2005). The Sacred Bridge. Carta. pp. 126.
- Vriezen, Karel J. H. (1975). "Hirbet Kefire - eine Oberflachenuntersuchung". ZDPV 91:1: 135–58.
- Vriezen, K. (1977). "Chronique Archeologique--Khirbet Kefire". Revue Biblique 84:3 (July): 412–6.
