Kirjath Sepher
“City of books, or city of the scribe”
Summary
An ancient Canaanite city meaning 'city of books,' conquered by Othniel who received Caleb's daughter Achsah as his wife, later known as Debir.
☩Name and Significance
Kirjath-sepher, meaning "city of books" or "city of the book," was the earlier name of the city later called Debir. The name suggests the city may have been a center of learning, writing, or religious instruction among the Canaanites before the Israelite conquest. It is also called Kirjath-sannah in another passage, possibly meaning "city of instruction" or "city of palms."
☩Conquest by Othniel
During the conquest of Canaan, Caleb offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would attack and capture Kirjath-sepher. His nephew Othniel, son of Kenaz, took the city and won Achsah as his bride. Achsah then asked her father for a blessing, and he gave her the upper and lower springs as a wedding gift along with land in the Negev. Othniel later became the first judge of Israel, delivering the people from oppression.
