Khirbet Kefireh

Khirbet Kefireh (alt. sp., Kefire, el-Kefirah; coordinates 1602.1375) is a modern town just north of Katana, Israel on a hilltop covering about 4-5 acres. It appears in the Survey of Western Palestine map compiled in the 1870s, and most Bible dictionaries identify it with Chephirah. [International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: "It is represented by the modern Kefireh, to the Southwest of Gibeon, and North of Karyat el-`Anab. It stands on high ground, with many ancient remains."] [Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible: "The city has been identified with modern Khirbet el-Kefireh (160137), ca. 8km. (5 mi.) WSW of el-Jib (Gibeon)."]

Karel Vriezen extensively surveyed the site during September 1970, June and July 1973, and again in March and July 1974. The site contains two major sections: an upper citadel on the east side near its elevation peak (774 m), and a lower village on the west side. Additionally, three graves were examined about 150 meters to the northeast of the site. [ZDPV 91, Abb. 2.]

Vriezen found evidence for major architectural changes dating to the Iron-II and Byzantine eras, and pottery shards spanning the Early Bronze, Iron I, Iron II, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. Highlights include a jar handle bearing a LMLK seal impression, [ZDPV 91, p. 143.] and another handle bearing a pre-fired plus (+) mark. [ZDPV 91, p. 146.]

The walls of the site included nine towers, three gates, and an entrance. A cistern and a quarry were found enclosed within the city walls.

Excavations are no longer possible due to the presence of modern habitations.

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* Biblical archaeology