Overview:
Kirhareseth, also known as Kir-hareseth, Kir-heres, or Kir of Moab, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of prophecies and historical narratives concerning the nation of Moab. It is identified with the modern site of Kerak in Jordan. The city held significant strategic and economic importance due to its location and fortifications.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 3:25 · Kirhareseth is mentioned during the campaign of the Israelite coalition against Moab. The verse states, "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 Kir-hareseth was left with its stones, but the slingers surrounded it and attacked it." This passage highlights the city's resilience and fortification, as it was the last stronghold left standing during the conflict.

2. Isaiah 16:7 · The prophet Isaiah laments the fate of Moab, saying, "Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Lament and grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth." This verse underscores the city's economic role, particularly in the production of raisin cakes, a valuable commodity in the ancient Near East.

3. Jeremiah 48:31 · In a similar vein, the prophet Jeremiah expresses sorrow for Moab, stating, "Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres." This passage reflects the impending judgment and destruction prophesied against Moab, with Kirhareseth being a focal point of the lament.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Kirhareseth was a significant city in the kingdom of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea. Its strategic position on a high plateau made it a formidable fortress city. The modern identification with Kerak is supported by archaeological findings and historical records, which reveal a city with strong defensive structures and a thriving economy.

The city's mention in the context of military campaigns and prophetic oracles indicates its importance in the regional power dynamics of the time. The references to its economic activities, such as the production of raisin cakes, suggest a prosperous urban center with trade connections.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, Kirhareseth serves as a symbol of Moab's strength and eventual downfall. The city's resistance during military sieges and its ultimate destruction as prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah illustrate themes of divine judgment and the futility of relying on human fortifications against God's will.

The lamentations over Kirhareseth in the prophetic books reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to humble the proud. The city's fate serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the importance of aligning with divine purposes.

Conclusion:

Kirhareseth stands as a testament to the historical and theological narratives of the Bible, representing both the might and the vulnerability of human endeavors in the face of divine judgment. Its account is woven into the larger tapestry of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel, offering lessons on the consequences of pride and the ultimate authority of God over all creation.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

CHAPTER III.
... which so much depends, performs also the office of a guide: "For this reason Moab
howls, for Moab altogether does he howl, for the cakes of Kirhareseth you do ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.htm

And ii.
... Therefore my bowels sound like a harp for Moab, mine inward parts for Kirhareseth""
it is quite unsuitable to think of a lamentation of the prophet, which is ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Fruitless vine
... Moab!" but alas! Moab will not howl. You will weep for Kirhareseth but
Kirhareseth will not weep for herself. You will weep for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the fruitless vine.htm

Kirhareseth (2 Occurrences)
... He suggests, therefore, that we should possibly read qiryath chadhdshah, "new city."
W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Kirhareseth (2 Occurrences). ...
/k/kirhareseth.htm - 8k

Kir-hareseth (3 Occurrences)
Kir-hareseth. Kirhareseth, Kir-hareseth. Kir-har'eseth . Int. ... (See NAS).
Kirhareseth, Kir-hareseth. Kir-har'eseth . Reference Bible.
/k/kir-hareseth.htm - 8k

Kirhara-seth (1 Occurrence)
Kirhara-seth. Kir-haraseth, Kirhara-seth. Kirhareseth . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Kir-haraseth, Kirhara-seth. Kirhareseth . Reference Bible.
/k/kirhara-seth.htm - 6k

Foundations (49 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the
foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. ...
/f/foundations.htm - 21k

Howl (29 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the
foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. ...
/h/howl.htm - 15k

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