Biblical References:
Kir of Moab is mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Isaiah and Amos. In Isaiah 15:1, the prophet declares, "An oracle concerning Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!" . This passage highlights the sudden and devastating judgment that would come upon Moab, with Kir being one of the principal cities affected.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Kir of Moab, often simply referred to as Kir, is believed to have been a significant city within the ancient kingdom of Moab. Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The city of Kir is thought to have been a fortified location, possibly serving as a military stronghold or a center of administration for the Moabites. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is often associated with the site of modern-day Kerak, which is known for its imposing Crusader castle.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Kir in the prophetic texts underscores the theme of divine judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. The Moabites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37), had a complex relationship with Israel, often characterized by conflict and hostility. The judgment pronounced upon Kir of Moab serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to execute justice according to His divine will.

Prophetic Imagery and Symbolism:
In Isaiah 15, the destruction of Kir is part of a larger oracle against Moab, which is rich in vivid imagery and emotional lament. The swift destruction of Kir symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. The prophecy evokes a sense of urgency and inevitability, as the city is said to be "destroyed in a night," emphasizing the suddenness of the calamity.

Cultural and Historical Impact:
The fall of Kir of Moab, as prophesied by Isaiah, would have had significant implications for the Moabite people. It would have represented not only a loss of military and political power but also a blow to their cultural and religious identity. The Moabites worshiped Chemosh, and the destruction of their cities would have been seen as a defeat of their god by the God of Israel.

Amos and the Exile:
In Amos 1:5, the prophet Amos also references Kir, but in a different context: "I will break the gate bar of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir," says the LORD. . Here, Kir is mentioned as a place of exile for the Arameans, indicating its significance as a location beyond Moab, possibly as a region under Assyrian control where exiles were sent.

Conclusion:
Kir of Moab stands as a testament to the historical and prophetic narratives of the Old Testament, illustrating the themes of judgment, sovereignty, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Its mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly powers in contrast to the eternal dominion of God.Kir of Moab

KIR OF MOAB

(qir moa'-abh; Septuagint has to teichos, "the wall," "fortress"):

1. Identification:

The name, at least in this form, appears only once (Isaiah 15:1) as that of a city in Moab. It is named with Ar of Moab, with which possibly it may be identical, since `ar or `ir is the Hebrew equivalent of the Moabite Qir. The Targum hence reads "Kerak in Moab." There can be no doubt that the Kerak here intended is represented by the modern town of that name, with which, consequently, Kir Moab is almost universally identified. It must always have been a place of importance. It is mentioned as Charakmoba (Karakmoba) in the Acts of the Council of Jerusalem (536 A.D.) and by the early geographers. It dominated the great caravan road connecting Syria with Egypt and Arabia. The Crusaders therefore directed attention to it, and held possession from 1167 till it fell again into the hands of the Moslems under Saladin, 1188. The Chroniclers speak of it as in el Belqa, and the chief city of Arabia Secunda. Under the title of Petra Deserti the Crusaders founded here a bishop's see. The Greek bishop of Petra still has his seat in Kerak.

2. Discription:

Kerak stands upon a lofty spur projecting westward from the Moab plateau, with Wady `Ain Franjy on the South, and Wady el-Kerak on the North, about 10 miles from the Dead Sea. The sides of the mountain sink sharply into these deep ravines, which unite immediately to the West, and, as Wady el-Kerak, the great hollow runs northwestward to the sea. It is a position of great natural strength, being connected with the uplands to the East only by a narrow neck. It is 3,370 ft. above the level of the sea. The mountains beyond the adjacent valleys are much higher. The place was surrounded by a strong wall, with five towers, which can still be traced in its whole length. The most northerly tower is well preserved. The most interesting building at Kerak is the huge castle on the southern side. It is separated from the adjoining hill on the right by a large artificial moat; and it is provided with a reservoir. A moat also skirts the northern side of the fortress, and on the East the wall has a sloped or battered base. The castle is then separated from the town. The walls are very thick, and are well preserved. Beneath the castle is a chapel in which traces of frescoes are still visible. In days of ancient warfare the place must have been practically impregnable. It could be entered only by two roads passing through rock-cut tunnels. The main danger must always have been failure of water supply. There are springs immediately outside the city; but those alone would not be sufficient. Great cisterns were therefore constructed in the town and also in the castle. The half-nomadic inhabitants of Kerak today number some 1,140 families (Musil, Arabia Petrea, III, 97). The Greek church claims about 2,000 souls; the rest are Moslems. They are wild and fearless people, not greatly inclined to treat strangers with courtesy and kindness. In the spring of 1911 the town was the center of a rising against the government, which was not quelled until much blood had been shed.

W. Ewing

Kir of Moab

(fortress of Moab), one of the two chief strongholds of Moab, the other being Ar of Moab. The name occurs only in (Isaiah 15:1) though the place is probably referred to under the names of Kir-heres, Kir-harseth, etc. It is almost identical with the name Kerak , by which the site of an important city in a high and very strong position at the southeast of the Dead Sea is known at this day. Its situation is truly remarkable. It is built upon the top of a steep hill, surrounded by a deep and narrow valley, which again is completely enclosed by mountains rising higher than the town and overlooking it on all sides.

7025. Qir Cheres -- "wall of earthenware," a fortified city in ...
... eh'-seth}; from qiyr and cheres; fortress of earthenware; Kir-Cheres or Kir-Chareseth,
a place in Moab -- Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kir-haresh, Kir-heres. ...
/hebrew/7025.htm - 6k

7024. Qiyr -- "wall," a city in Moab
... Kir The same as qiyr; fortress; Kir, a place in Assyrian; also one in Moab -- Kir.
Compare Qiyr Cheres. see HEBREW qiyr. see HEBREW Qiyr Cheres. 7023, 7024. ...
/hebrew/7024.htm - 5k

7024a. Qir -- "wall," a city in Moab
... "wall," a city in Moab. Transliteration: Qir Short Definition: Kir. Word Origin
from the same as qir Definition "wall," a city in Moab NASB Word Usage Kir (1). ...
/hebrew/7024a.htm - 5k

And ii.
... In Jeremiah 48:31, eg, "Therefore will I howl over Moab, and cry out over all Moab,
over the men of Kir-heres shall he groan," the "he" in the last clause ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Jeroboam made a furious onslaught upon its cities"Ar of Moab, Kir of Moab, Dibon,
Medeba, Heshbon, Elealeh"and destroyed them all in succession. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... Omri had subdued Moab and had collected from her a yearly tribute. ... against the Moabites,
who fled for refuge within the strong fortress of Kir-hareseth, where ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... How entirely different is, eg, the position of Edom against Moab, from that of Edom ...
mentioned in i.15: "The people of Aram are carried away to Kir, saith the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... Arvad, Uru-malik of Byblos, Puduilu of Amnion, Chemosh-nadab of Moab, Malik-rammu ...
Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

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