Qir-Hareseth; Kir-Heres
LocationsGeographical Setting
Kir-hareseth was the fortified capital city of the ancient kingdom of Moab, located in the highlands of modern-day Jordan.
What is the meaning of Qir-Hareseth; Kir-Heres in the Bible?
Kir-hareseth, also referred to as Qir-haresh in Assyrian records, served as the capital of Moab and successfully resisted the siege by King Jehoram of Israel, Judah, and Edom. The etymology of the name is debated, with interpretations ranging from 'city of the sun' to 'new city' or 'fortress of Hareseth'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Kir-hareseth clarifies the geopolitical landscape of the southern Levant during the Iron Age, illustrating the military resilience of Moab against coalition forces and providing context for the prophetic judgments against Moab found in Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Qir-Hareseth; Kir-Heres in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Qir-Hareseth; Kir-Heres clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.