Literally, “the city of forests.” This was one of the cities of Gibeon that sought the protection of Joshua after the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 9:17). It was listed in the inheritance of Judah (Joshua 15:9). It is situated on the western slopes of the mountains near Jerusalem, about 9 mi. (14.4 km.) from Beth-shemesh. The message to the city of Kirjath-jearim implies the feeling that the farther the ark was removed from the Philistines, the safer it would be. Kirjath-jearim, higher in the mountains, could be more easily defended against attack than a city in the lower, rolling hill country.