Lexical Summary Qiryath Chutsoth: Kiriath Huzoth Original Word: קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kirjath-huzoth From qiryah and the feminine plural of chuwts; city of streets; Kirjath-Chutsoth, a place in Moab -- Kirjath-huzoth. see HEBREW qiryah see HEBREW chuwts NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qiryah and chuts Definition "city of streets," a city in Moab NASB Translation Kiriath-huzoth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs קִרְיַת חֻצוֺת proper name, of a location in Moab, πόλεις ἐπαύεων, Numbers 22:29, site unknown. Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting and Identification Kiryath Huzoth lies in the plains of Moab east of the Dead Sea, probably within the same administrative district as Ar of Moab (Numbers 22:36) and near the Arnon Gorge. Its plural “streets” or “open squares” suggests an urban center with a marketplace and civic hub, in contrast to the many Moabite fortresses perched on isolated heights. Some scholars link it with Kir of Moab (Isaiah 15:1) or Kir-heres (Jeremiah 48:31), but the text itself only locates it on Balak’s route from the border to the high places overlooking Israel’s camp. Archeological surveys identify several substantial Iron-Age towns in the Dhiban-Karak plateau that could fit the description. Context in the Balaam Narrative (Numbers 22–24) “Then Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.” (Numbers 22:39). The visit occurs after Balaam’s dramatic encounter with the Angel of the LORD and immediately before the first of the four Balaam oracles (Numbers 23:7-10; 23:18-24; 24:3-9; 24:15-19). Upon arrival, Balak offers sacrifices (Numbers 22:40), distributing portions to Balaam and the Moabite officials. The city thus serves as Balak’s staging ground for his spiritual offensive—an attempt to hire prophetic power to curse God’s covenant people. Religious and Political Significance 1. Cultic Center: The swift preparation of cattle and sheep for sacrifice points to a resident priesthood and ready altars, marking Kiryath Huzoth as a Moabite cult site. Theological Themes • Sovereign Blessing: Though Balak situates Balaam in an atmosphere of political pressure and ritual lavishness, nothing in the city’s resources can overturn God’s decree to bless Israel (Numbers 23:8, 20). Practical Ministry Insights 1. Beware of Spiritual Commodification. Kiryath Huzoth reminds leaders that religious ceremony plus financial inducement cannot force divine favor. Prophetic Echoes and Later Biblical Parallels • Isaiah 15:1; Jeremiah 48:24, 31: Moab’s fortified cities face judgment, showing that no urban strength or ritual prestige can shield a nation that opposes God’s purposes. Summary Kiryath Huzoth is more than a geographical footnote; it is the launch point of Balak’s doomed strategy, a symbol of urban pride and religious manipulation confronted by the unassailable blessing of God upon His people. Its solitary mention crystallizes the message that, in every place—from wilderness campsites to bustling Moabite squares—the LORD alone determines destiny. Forms and Transliterations חֻצֽוֹת׃ חצות׃ chuTzot ḥu·ṣō·wṯ ḥuṣōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 22:39 HEB: וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ קִרְיַ֥ת חֻצֽוֹת׃ NAS: and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. INT: Balak came to Kiriath-huzoth 1 Occurrence |
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