Kishion
Kishion is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Galilee in modern-day Israel. Known today as Tell Qisyon. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Kishion appears in two passages in the Old Testament, both related to the allocation of tribal and Levitical territories after the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 19:20, Kishion is listed among the cities within the territory assigned to the tribe of Issachar during the division of the Promised Land. It then appears in Joshua 21:28 as one of the Levitical cities given to the Gershonite clan from Issachar's territory, along with Daberath. The name Kishion may be related to the Hebrew word for "hardness" or may share etymological roots with the nearby Kishon River. Its location in the Jezreel Valley placed it in one of the most agriculturally fertile and strategically important regions of ancient Israel. As a Levitical city, Kishion served the dual purpose of providing a home for Levitical families and positioning religious leaders within the tribal community to fulfill their teaching role. The Gershonites who settled here were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and screens during the wilderness period (Numbers 3:25-26).
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Kishion is identified with Tell Qisyon (also known as Tell el-Ajjul or Tell Qishyon), situated at the eastern edge of the Jezreel Valley near the foot of Mount Tabor in northern Israel. The tell commands a strategic position overlooking the valley and controlling access routes between the coastal plain and the Jordan Valley. Surface surveys have recovered pottery from the Bronze and Iron Ages, indicating continuous occupation during the relevant biblical periods. The site has not been extensively excavated, limiting detailed understanding of its occupational history. Its proximity to other significant biblical sites such as Mount Tabor, Daberath, and the Kishon River places it within a region of considerable historical and military importance throughout antiquity.
Verse Appearances (2)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →