Kenath
Kenath is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Transjordan in modern-day Jordan. Known today as Qanawat. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Kenath is mentioned in two Old Testament passages that record its capture by Israelite forces during the settlement of Transjordan. In Numbers 32:42, Nobah captures Kenath and its surrounding villages and renames it Nobah after himself. In 1 Chronicles 2:23, the text records that Geshur and Aram seized Havvoth-jair, Kenath, and its sixty associated settlements from the Israelites, indicating that Israelite control over the city was eventually lost. Kenath was located in the Bashan region east of the Jordan, in territory that Israel claimed during the initial conquest of the Amorite kingdoms under Moses. The city's capture and subsequent loss reflect the turbulent history of Israelite Transjordan, where territorial control frequently shifted between Israel, Aram (Syria), and local kingdoms. The renaming of conquered cities was a common ancient practice signifying sovereignty and ownership. Kenath's story illustrates the precarious nature of Israel's eastern holdings, territories that were often the first to be lost during periods of national weakness and the last to be recovered during resurgence.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Kenath is securely identified with Qanawat (ancient Canatha) in the Hauran region of southwestern Syria, on the western slopes of Jebel al-Druze. The site preserves impressive architectural remains primarily from the Roman and Byzantine periods, including temples, a basilica, and an extensive aqueduct system. Qanawat was one of the cities of the Decapolis in the Hellenistic and Roman eras, known as Canatha. Roman-period temples dedicated to Helios and other deities still stand partially intact. Earlier occupation layers from the Bronze and Iron Ages have been identified but are less accessible beneath the later remains. The site's abundant water supply from mountain springs made it a natural settlement location. Qanawat is today a small Syrian town, and the ancient ruins are a recognized heritage site.
Verse Appearances (2)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →