Introduction:
Kir-har'eseth, also known as Kir-hareseth or Kir-heres, is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament. It was a fortified city in the ancient kingdom of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea. The city holds historical and theological importance, particularly in the context of Israel's interactions with Moab.

Biblical References:
Kir-har'eseth is mentioned in several passages in the Bible, primarily in the context of conflict between Moab and Israel. One of the key references is found in 2 Kings 3:25, where the city 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 every spring of water and felled every good tree. Only Kir-hareseth was left with its stones, but the slingers surrounded it and attacked it."

Another reference is found in Isaiah 16:7,11, where the prophet Isaiah laments over Moab: "Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Lament and grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth... 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 Context:
Kir-har'eseth was a strategic and fortified city, serving as a stronghold for the Moabites. Its location made it a significant military and economic center. The city was known for its production of raisin cakes, a delicacy mentioned in the lamentations of Isaiah and Jeremiah, indicating its role in trade and agriculture.

The city’s fortifications and its ability to withstand sieges are highlighted in the biblical narrative, particularly during the campaign led by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom against Moab. Despite the coalition's efforts, Kir-har'eseth remained a bastion of Moabite resistance.

Theological Significance:
Kir-har'eseth serves as a symbol of Moab's strength and resilience, yet also of its ultimate vulnerability to divine judgment. The prophetic laments over Moab, including those for Kir-har'eseth, reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations. The city’s fate is intertwined with the moral and spiritual state of Moab, illustrating the biblical principle that nations are accountable to God.

The destruction and lamentation over Kir-har'eseth also serve as a reminder of the transient nature of human achievements and the futility of relying solely on earthly fortifications and wealth. The prophetic voices in Isaiah and Jeremiah call for reflection on the deeper spiritual realities and the need for alignment with God's purposes.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Kir-har'eseth is debated, it is generally identified with the modern site of Kerak, a city in present-day Jordan. Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the Moabite culture and their interactions with neighboring Israelite and Judean kingdoms. The remains of fortifications and artifacts from the Iron Age period align with the biblical descriptions of a fortified city.

Conclusion:
Kir-har'eseth stands as a testament to the historical and theological narratives of the Bible, illustrating the complex relationships between Israel and its neighbors. Its account is woven into the broader tapestry of God's dealings with nations, offering lessons on divine justice, human pride, and the enduring call to righteousness.Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences)

2 Kings 3:25
And 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 fountains of water, and felled all the good trees; until there was left only Kir-hareseth with the stones of the wall thereof; so the slingers encompassed it, and smote it.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 16:7
Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab, every one shall wail; for the sweet cakes of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn, sorely stricken.
(See RSV)

Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences)
Kir-har'eseth. Kir-hareseth, Kir-har'eseth. Kirharesh . Multi-Version
Concordance Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 3:25 And ...
/k/kir-har'eseth.htm - 7k

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

Kirharesh (1 Occurrence)

/k/kirharesh.htm - 6k

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