Kedesh

Kedesh, also known as Kedesh-naphtali, was a significant city in the northern part of Canaan. It was originally a Canaanite city, ruled by a king who was defeated by Joshua during the conquest of the land (Joshua 12:22). After the conquest, Kedesh was allotted to the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:37) and designated as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:32) and a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7). Cities of refuge were established to provide sanctuary for those who accidentally killed someone, protecting them from revenge until a proper trial could be held. Kedesh was also the hometown of Barak, who, along with Deborah, led the Israelites to victory against Sisera and the Canaanites (Judges 4:6, 9-11). The city was later captured by Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, during his invasion of Israel (2 Kings 15:29). The exact location of Kedesh is disputed, but it is generally identified with the modern-day site of Tel Kedesh, located in the Upper Galilee region of Israel, near the border with Lebanon.