Kirheres, also referred to as Kir-hareseth or Kir-heres, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of Moabite history and prophecy. The name "Kirheres" is derived from Hebrew, meaning "city of the sun" or "city of potsherds," indicating its possible role as a fortified city or a center of pottery production.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 16:7, 11 : Kirheres is mentioned in the prophecies of Isaiah concerning Moab. The prophet Isaiah laments the destruction and mourning of Moab, highlighting Kirheres as a place of significant emotional and cultural loss. "Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken" (Isaiah 16:7). This passage underscores the city's importance in Moabite society, possibly as a center of commerce or religious activity.

2. Jeremiah 48:31, 36 : The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of Kirheres in his oracles against Moab. "Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres" (Jeremiah 48:31). Jeremiah's lamentation reflects the impending judgment and devastation that would befall Moab, with Kirheres being a focal point of this divine retribution.

3. 2 Kings 3:25 : The historical account of the battle between Israel and Moab during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel mentions Kir-hareseth. "They demolished the cities, and each man threw a stone into every good field until it was covered. They stopped up all the springs and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-hareseth was left with its stones, but the slingers surrounded it and attacked it as well." This passage highlights the strategic importance of Kirheres as a fortified city that withstood initial assaults, emphasizing its resilience and military significance.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Kirheres is often identified with the modern site of Kerak, located in present-day Jordan. The city's strategic position on the King's Highway, an ancient trade route, made it a vital location for commerce and military defense. Archaeological evidence suggests that Kerak was a significant urban center during the Iron Age, aligning with the biblical narrative of its prominence in Moabite history.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Kirheres serves as a symbol of God's judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. The prophecies concerning Kirheres in Isaiah and Jeremiah illustrate the broader theme of divine justice and the consequences of idolatry and pride. The city's eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and the sovereignty of God over all nations.

In summary, Kirheres is a city deeply embedded in the biblical narrative as a symbol of Moabite strength and subsequent judgment. Its repeated mention in prophetic literature underscores its importance in the ancient Near Eastern world and its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES

kur-har'-seth, -ha-re'-seth> (qir-charesh, Isaiah 16:7; in 2 Kings 3:25 the King James Version reads Kir-haraseth (pausal form)); (qir cheres, Jeremiah 48:31, 36; in Isaiah 16:11 the King James Version reads Kir-haresh (pausal form)): Modern scholars unanimously identify this city with Kir of Moab. In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). It was obviously the capital, i.e. Kir Moab. The name is generally taken to mean "city of the sun." Cheyne, however, points out (EB, under the word):

(1) that this explanation was unknown to the ancients;

(2) that"kir" is nowhere suposed to mean "city," except in the compound names Kir-heres, Kir-hareseth, and Kir Moab;

(3) that cheres, "sun," nowhere has a feminine ending, and

(4) that Isaiah 16:7 Septuagint and Aquila.) indicates "d" and not "r" in the second part of the name (Deseth). He suggests, therefore, that we should possibly read qiryath chadhdshah, "new city."

W. Ewing

Kirheres (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kirheres (3 Occurrences). Isaiah 16:11 Therefore my bowels
sound like a harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirheres. (DBY). ...
/k/kirheres.htm - 8k

Kir-heres (3 Occurrences)
Kir-heres. Kirheres, Kir-heres. Kir-he'res . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS YLT NAS). Kirheres, Kir-heres. Kir-he'res . Reference Bible
/k/kir-heres.htm - 8k

Kir-haresh (1 Occurrence)
Kir-haresh. Kirharesh, Kir-haresh. Kirheres . Multi-Version Concordance ... (WBS
YLT). Kirharesh, Kir-haresh. Kirheres . Reference Bible.
/k/kir-haresh.htm - 6k

Moabites (26 Occurrences)
... peor (Deuteronomy 3:29); Beth-diblaim, Bozrah, Kerioth (Jeremiah 48:22-24); Kir
(Isaiah 15:1); Medeba, Elealeh, Zoar (Isaiah 15:2, 4, 5); Kirheres (Isaiah 16:11 ...
/m/moabites.htm - 28k

Moab (162 Occurrences)
... peor (Deuteronomy 3:29); Beth-diblaim, Bozrah, Kerioth (Jeremiah 48:22-24); Kir
(Isaiah 15:1); Medeba, Elealeh, Zoar (Isaiah 15:2, 4, 5); Kirheres (Isaiah 16:11 ...
/m/moab.htm - 62k

Howl (29 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:31 Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab;
mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/h/howl.htm - 15k

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