What is…
Kirjath-sepher

Hebrew: קִרְיַת סַנָּה —transliteration: Qiryath Sepher or Qiryath Sannah —meaning: “book town,” “city of books” or “city of writing”

also known as: Kirjath-sannah and Debir

This city is mentioned in Joshua 15:15, and is the same as Kirjath-sannah, now represented by the valley of ed-Dhaberiyeh, southwest of Hebron.

The name of this town is an evidence that the Canaanites were acquainted with writing and books.

“The town probably contained a noted school, or was the site of an oracle and the residence of some learned priest.”

The “books” were probably engraved stones or clay bricks.

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Article Version: July 14, 2021