Introduction:
Qirhareseth, also known as Kir-hareseth or Kir-heres, is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily associated with the Moabites, an ancient people who were often in conflict with Israel. The city is noted for its strategic and economic importance, particularly in the context of biblical prophecies and narratives.

Biblical References:
Qirhareseth is mentioned in several key passages in the Bible, highlighting its role in the history and prophecy concerning Moab. One of the primary references is found in 2 Kings 3:25, where it is described during the campaign of the Israelite coalition against Moab: "They destroyed 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 the stones of Kir-hareseth were left, but the slingers surrounded it and attacked it."

Another significant mention is in Isaiah 16:7,11, where the prophet Isaiah laments over Moab: "Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. My heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-hareseth."

Jeremiah 48:31,36 also echoes this lamentation: "Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres. My heart laments for Moab like a flute; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired is gone."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Qirhareseth was a fortified city located in the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. Its strategic position made it a vital stronghold for the Moabites. The city's name, which can be translated as "city of the sun" or "city of potsherds," suggests its significance in both religious and economic terms. The reference to "raisin cakes" in Isaiah indicates that Qirhareseth was a center for agriculture and trade, particularly in the production of dried fruits and possibly wine.

Theological Significance:
The biblical references to Qirhareseth are often in the context of divine judgment and lamentation. The destruction and mourning associated with the city serve as a testament to the consequences of Moab's pride and opposition to Israel. The prophetic laments in Isaiah and Jeremiah reflect God's sorrow over the impending judgment on Moab, emphasizing themes of repentance and the transient nature of earthly wealth and power.

Cultural and Religious Insights:
Qirhareseth's mention in the context of raisin cakes and agricultural produce highlights the cultural practices of the Moabites, who were known for their fertility rites and worship of deities such as Chemosh. The city's destruction, as prophesied and recorded in the biblical texts, underscores the biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over nations and His ultimate plan for redemption and justice.

Conclusion:
While Qirhareseth is not a central focus in the biblical narrative, its repeated mention in the context of Moab's judgment provides valuable insights into the historical and theological landscape of the Old Testament. The city's fate serves as a reminder of the broader themes of divine justice, human pride, and the call to repentance that permeate the biblical text.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

Qirhareseth

/q/qirhareseth.htm - 7k

Python (6 Occurrences)

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Qir-hareseth
Qir-hareseth. Qirhareseth, Qir-hareseth. Qoph . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. ... Qirhareseth, Qir-hareseth. Qoph . Reference Bible
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