Hareseth
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Overview:
Hareseth, also referred to as "Hareseth of the Gentiles" or "Kir-Hareseth," is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily known as a Moabite city, playing a crucial role in the biblical narrative concerning the conflicts between Israel and Moab. The city's name is often associated with its fortifications and its strategic importance in the region.

Biblical References:
Hareseth is mentioned in the context of the military campaigns of the kings of Israel and Judah against Moab. The most notable reference is found in 2 Kings 3:25, where it is described during the campaign led by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom against Moab. The Berean Standard Bible 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 as well."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Hareseth was a fortified city, likely serving as a stronghold for the Moabites. Its fortifications are implied in the biblical text, suggesting it was a place of refuge and defense. The city's location is traditionally identified with modern-day Kerak in Jordan, a site known for its historical significance and ancient ruins.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, Hareseth represents the resilience and eventual downfall of Moab in the face of divine judgment executed through the armies of Israel and its allies. The destruction of Moabite cities, including the siege of Hareseth, underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.

The account of Hareseth also highlights the cooperation between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, despite their often tumultuous relationship. This alliance, albeit temporary, serves as a reminder of the potential for unity among God's people when faced with common threats.

Archaeological Insights:
While direct archaeological evidence linking Hareseth to the biblical narrative is limited, the site of Kerak has yielded significant findings that provide insight into the region's history. The remains of ancient fortifications and artifacts suggest a city of considerable importance during the Iron Age, aligning with the biblical description of a fortified Moabite city.

Conclusion:
Hareseth stands as a testament to the historical and theological narratives of the Old Testament, illustrating the complex interactions between Israel and its neighboring nations. Its mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the enduring themes of divine justice, human conflict, and the unfolding of God's plan through history.
Strong's Hebrew
7025. Qir Cheres -- "wall of earthenware," a fortified city in ...
... "wall of earthenware," a fortified city in Moab. Transliteration: Qir Cheres or
Qir Chareseth Phonetic Spelling: (keer kheh'-res) Short Definition: Kir-hareseth ...
/hebrew/7025.htm - 6k
Library

The Old Testament and Archeology
... kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom marched with their armies against the Moabites,
who fled for refuge within the strong fortress of Kir-hareseth, where Mesha ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.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

Thesaurus
Kir-hareseth (3 Occurrences)
Kir-hareseth. Kirhareseth, Kir-hareseth. Kir-har'eseth . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har ...
/k/kir-hareseth.htm - 8k

Qir-hareseth
Qir-hareseth. Qirhareseth, Qir-hareseth. Qoph . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har'-seth ...
/q/qir-hareseth.htm - 7k

Kirhareseth (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har'-seth,
-ha-re'-seth> (qir-charesh, Isaiah 16:7; in 2 Kings 3:25 ...
/k/kirhareseth.htm - 8k

Qirhareseth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har'-seth,
-ha-re'-seth> (qir-charesh, Isaiah 16:7; in 2 Kings 3:25 ...
/q/qirhareseth.htm - 7k

Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences)
Kir-har'eseth. Kir-hareseth, Kir-har'eseth. Kirharesh . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Kir-hareseth, Kir-har'eseth. Kirharesh . Reference Bible.
/k/kir-har'eseth.htm - 7k

Kir-heres (3 Occurrences)
Kir-heres. Kirheres, Kir-heres. Kir-he'res . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har'-seth, -ha-re'-seth ...
/k/kir-heres.htm - 8k

Kirheres (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. kur-har'-seth,
-ha-re'-seth> (qir-charesh, Isaiah 16:7; in 2 Kings 3:25 ...
/k/kirheres.htm - 8k

Kir (11 Occurrences)
... of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the springs
of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth only they ...
/k/kir.htm - 17k

Hareseth (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hareseth (5 Occurrences). ... Everyone will wail. You will
mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken. ...
/h/hareseth.htm - 7k

Qoph (1 Occurrence)

/q/qoph.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Hareseth (5 Occurrences)

2 Kings 3:25
They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the springs of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth only they left its stones; however the men armed with slings went about it, and struck it.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV)

Isaiah 16:7
Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Isaiah 16:11
Wherefore my heart moaneth like a harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-heres.
(See NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 48:31
Therefore will I wail for Moab; yes, I will cry out for all Moab: for the men of Kir Heres shall they mourn.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 48:36
Therefore my heart sounds for Moab like pipes, and my heart sounds like pipes for the men of Kir Heres: therefore the abundance that he has gotten is perished.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Hareseth

Related Terms

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Hareph: Son of Caleb
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