Overview:
Kirharaseth, also known as Kir-hareseth, Kir-heres, or simply Kir, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of Moabite history. It served as a significant stronghold and was a center of Moabite culture and power. The city's name is thought to mean "city of pottery" or "fortress of brick," reflecting its fortified nature and possibly its role in pottery production.

Biblical References:
Kirharaseth is mentioned in several key biblical passages, most notably in the books of 2 Kings, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. These references highlight its strategic importance and its role in the conflicts between Moab and Israel.

1. 2 Kings 3:25 : "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 the stones of Kir-hareseth were left, but the slingers surrounded and attacked it as well." This passage describes the campaign of the Israelite coalition against Moab, led by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom. Kirharaseth is depicted as a last stronghold of Moab, indicating its defensive significance.

2. Isaiah 16:7 : "Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Lament and grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth." Here, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the impending judgment and lamentation over Moab, with Kirharaseth being a focal point of mourning. The mention of "raisin cakes" suggests the city's involvement in trade or agriculture, possibly linked to its economic activities.

3. Jeremiah 48:31 : "Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres." In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah echoes the themes of destruction and lamentation for Moab, specifically mentioning Kirharaseth (Kir-heres) as a place of sorrow. This reinforces the city's prominence within Moab and its symbolic representation of the nation's fate.

Historical and Archaeological Context:
Kirharaseth is identified with the modern site of Kerak, located in present-day Jordan. The city's strategic location on the King's Highway, an ancient trade route, contributed to its historical significance. Archaeological findings in the region have uncovered remnants of fortifications and artifacts that align with the biblical descriptions of a fortified city.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Kirharaseth serves as a testament to the fulfillment of prophetic declarations against Moab. The city's repeated mention in prophetic literature underscores the themes of divine judgment and the sovereignty of God over nations. The destruction and lamentation associated with Kirharaseth illustrate the consequences of pride and opposition to God's people.

Cultural and Economic Role:
Kirharaseth's mention in connection with "raisin cakes" and its fortified nature suggest a city that was not only a military stronghold but also a center of economic activity. The production and trade of goods, possibly including pottery and agricultural products, would have been integral to its economy.

Conclusion:
Kirharaseth stands as a significant historical and theological landmark within the biblical narrative. Its role as a Moabite stronghold and its repeated mention in prophetic texts highlight its importance in the ancient Near East and its enduring legacy in biblical history.Kirharaseth

Kirharesh, city of the sun; wall of burnt brick

Kirharaseth

(brick fortress), (2 Kings 3:25) Kir-haresh, (Isaiah 16:11) Kir-hares, (Jeremiah 48:31,36) These four names are all applied to one place, probably KIR OF MOAB OF MOAB, which see.

Built fortress, a city and fortress of Moab, the modern Kerak, a small town on the brow of a steep hill about 6 miles from Rabbath-Moab and 10 miles from the Dead Sea; called also Kir-haresh, Kir-hareseth, Kir-heres (Isaiah 16:7, 11; Jeremiah 48:31, 36). After the death of Ahab, Mesha, king of Moab (see MOABITE STONE), threw off allegiance to the king of Israel, and fought successfully for the independence of his kingdom. After this Jehoram, king of Israel, in seeking to regain his supremacy over Moab, entered into an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and with the king of Edom. The three kings led their armies against Mesha, who was driven back to seek refuge in Kir-haraseth. The Moabites were driven to despair. Mesha then took his eldest son, who would have reigned in his stead, and offered him as a burnt-offering on the wall of the fortress in the sight of the allied armies. "There was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land." The invaders evacuated the land of Moab, and Mesha achieved the independence of his country (2 Kings 3:20-27). Kirharaseth (1 Occurrence)
... 3:20-27). Multi-Version Concordance Kirharaseth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings
3:25 And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece ...
/k/kirharaseth.htm - 8k

Kir-haraseth (1 Occurrence)
Kir-haraseth. Kirharaseth, Kir-haraseth. Kirhara-seth . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(YLT). Kirharaseth, Kir-haraseth. Kirhara-seth . Reference Bible.
/k/kir-haraseth.htm - 8k

Kirathaim (1 Occurrence)

/k/kirathaim.htm - 6k

Wells (15 Occurrences)
... piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the
wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they ...
/w/wells.htm - 11k

Slingers (2 Occurrences)
... piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the
wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they ...
/s/slingers.htm - 7k

Howbeit (103 Occurrences)
... piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the
wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they ...
/h/howbeit.htm - 36k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus