Abu Gosh Detail

Abu Gosh Detail

View looking west towards the Arab village of Abu Gosh—the buildings on the slope of the hill.

In a cluster of trees, just right of center, is a Catholic Church—see following images for more detailed pictures.  The church is located on Deir el-Azar/T. Qiryat Yearim that is well identified with the biblical Kiriath Jearim.

The ark was stored there before David brought it to Jerusalem (1 Chron 13:5, 6; 2 Chron 1:4).


Kiriath Jearim was a town in the old Hivite league with which Israel made a treaty (Josh 9:17). Although allotted to Judah (Josh 15:60), it was on the N border of Judah (Josh 15:9) and SW boundary of Benjamin (18:14, 15). The Danites camped in the area (Judg 18:12) and later the ark of God was stored there (1 Sam 6:21, 7:1, 2). David brought the ark from there to Jerusalem (1 Chron 13:5, 6; 2 Chron 1:4). Jeremiah (26:20) mentions a prophet from the town. People from there returned to Judah after the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:25; Neh 7:29). Also called “Kiriath Baal” (Josh 15:60; 18:14), “Baalah of Judah” (Josh 15:9, 10; 2 Sam 6:2; 1 Chron 13:6), and possibly “Kiriath” (Josh 18:28), “Jaar” (Ps 132:6), as well as “Baalath” (2 Chron 8:6; 1 Kgs 9:18).

The biblical Kiriath Jearim is well identified with Deir el-Azar/T. Qiryat Yearim (159135) that is on a hill overlooking the Arab village of Abu Gosh.  It is located 8.5 mi. W of Jerusalem.