Maarath
Maarath is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Judea in modern-day Israel. Known today as Khirbet Qufin. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
Maarath appears in a single biblical reference, listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the hill country district (Joshua 15:59). It belongs to a group of towns in the region around Hebron, including Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor. While no specific events are recorded at Maarath, its inclusion in the inheritance lists of Judah carries significance within the broader narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan. These town lists in Joshua 15 reflect the careful administrative organization of tribal territories, demonstrating that the promised land was not merely a vague concept but a concrete reality divided among specific clans and families. The hill country of Judah where Maarath was situated would later form the heartland of the Davidic kingdom and the southern kingdom of Judah. Each named settlement, however minor, testifies to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would possess this land as an inheritance.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Maarath has been tentatively identified with Khirbet Qufin, located in the Judean hill country southwest of Bethlehem. The site sits in the highland region at an elevation typical of the towns listed alongside it in Joshua 15:59. Surface surveys have revealed pottery fragments from the Iron Age, consistent with the period of Israelite settlement. The terrain around the proposed site features the characteristic limestone hills, terraced slopes, and seasonal wadis of the central Judean highlands. Limited systematic excavation has been conducted at Khirbet Qufin, and the identification remains tentative. The broader district in which Maarath was located corresponds to one of the most densely settled regions of ancient Judah, with numerous small agricultural villages dotting the hillsides.
Verse Appearances (1)
Josh
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →