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Kir-Hareseth

biblical_place theological_term standard

A fortified Moabite city mentioned in the biblical accounts of Moab's conflict with Israel and Judah.

At a Glance

Fortified city in Moab; a significant stronghold in the biblical record.

Key Points

Description

Kir-Hareseth is a Moabite fortified city named in the Old Testament as a major stronghold. In 2 Kings 3 it appears in the campaign against Moab, where the city serves as a final center of resistance. In Isaiah 16 it is included in the prophet's lament over Moab and in the announcement of judgment against the nation. Many interpreters connect Kir-Hareseth with Kir of Moab, though the exact historical and geographical identification should be stated with caution. The entry belongs in a biblical geography category rather than a theological one, since its significance comes from the events and prophecies associated with it.

Biblical Context

Kir-Hareseth appears in narratives and prophecies concerning Moab. In 2 Kings 3, the Moabite king's defenses are pressed to the point that Kir-Hareseth becomes the focus of the conflict. In Isaiah 16, the city is named in the midst of an oracle describing Moab's distress and coming judgment.

Historical Context

The city was part of the fortified urban network of ancient Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea. Its mention suggests military strength and strategic importance. Because biblical and archaeological identification is not always certain, it should be described carefully without overclaiming precision.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Ancient readers would have recognized Kir-Hareseth as a notable Moabite stronghold and therefore as a symbol of Moab's security and pride. In prophetic literature, such fortified cities often represent the apparent stability of nations under God's judgment.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is a transliterated Hebrew place-name. English forms may vary slightly in spelling, and some interpreters connect it with Kir of Moab.

Theological Significance

Kir-Hareseth itself is not a theological concept, but it functions in Scripture as part of the historical setting for divine judgment on Moab. It illustrates God's rule over the nations and the limits of human strength.

Philosophical Explanation

As a place-name, Kir-Hareseth shows how biblical theology is often grounded in real history and geography. Places in Scripture are not incidental; they provide the concrete setting in which God's providence, judgment, and mercy unfold.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Kir-Hareseth as a theological term. Avoid overconfident claims about exact location unless supported by external evidence. The identification with Kir of Moab is plausible but should be presented cautiously.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that the name refers to a Moabite fortified city. The main discussion concerns its precise identification and its relationship to Kir of Moab or Kir-heres.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should be used for biblical geography and historical context, not for doctrine beyond the general truth of God's sovereignty over the nations.

Practical Significance

Kir-Hareseth reminds readers that Scripture is rooted in real places and events. It also underscores the seriousness of divine judgment and the fragility of worldly strength.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Kir-Hareseth

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