Kiriath-jearim (city of forests) was about 16–24 kilometres north-east of Beth-shemesh, on the border between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 18:14–15; Joshua 18:28).1 It was also called Kiriath-baal (Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14), Baalah (Joshua 15:9), and Baale-judah (2 Samuel 6:2).2 Why the ark was sent to this town is unclear. 1 Samuel 22:19 suggests that most of the priests had relocated from Shiloh to Nob which was not far away from Beth-shemesh or Kiriath-jearim.
21 So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you.”