Kirjath-Huzoth
Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
Kirjath-huzoth, translated as "City of Streets" or "City of Villages," is a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name suggests a place of considerable size or complexity, possibly indicating a city with multiple districts or a network of smaller settlements.

Biblical References
Kirjath-huzoth is mentioned in the context of the narrative involving Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, in the Book of Numbers. The specific reference is found in Numbers 22:39: "So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kirjath-huzoth."

Historical and Geographical Context
Kirjath-huzoth is located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. Moab was a territory often in conflict with Israel, and its people were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. The city is significant in the biblical narrative as it is part of the journey of Balaam, who was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they encamped in the plains of Moab.

Role in the Balaam Narrative
The mention of Kirjath-huzoth occurs during the account of Balaam's journey to meet Balak. Balak, fearing the encroaching Israelites, sought Balaam's services to pronounce a curse upon them. The journey to Kirjath-huzoth marks a step in Balaam's travel to meet Balak, who hoped to influence the outcome of Israel's advance. The narrative highlights the tension between divine will and human intentions, as God ultimately intervenes, preventing Balaam from cursing Israel.

Theological Significance
Kirjath-huzoth serves as a backdrop to the unfolding of God's sovereignty and protection over Israel. Despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's initial willingness to comply, the narrative demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes. The account of Balaam, including his visit to Kirjath-huzoth, underscores the theme of divine control over the nations and the futility of opposing God's chosen people.

Archaeological Insights
While the exact location of Kirjath-huzoth remains uncertain, it is generally associated with the broader region of Moab. Archaeological findings in Moabite territories provide insights into the culture and practices of the Moabites, offering a backdrop to the biblical narrative. These findings help to contextualize the historical setting of the events described in the Book of Numbers.

Cultural and Religious Context
The Moabites, like other neighboring peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion, which often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites. The narrative involving Kirjath-huzoth reflects the broader cultural and religious tensions of the time, as well as the distinct identity of Israel as a people set apart by their covenant with Yahweh.

Conclusion
Kirjath-huzoth, though briefly mentioned, plays a role in the larger narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's providential care and the ultimate futility of opposing His will. The account of Balaam and Balak, with Kirjath-huzoth as a key location, continues to be a point of reflection on the themes of divine sovereignty and faithfulness.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Kirjath-Huzoth

city of streets; populous city

Easton's Bible Dictionary
City of streets, Numbers 22:39, a Moabite city, which some identify with Kirjathaim. Balak here received and entertained Balaam, whom he had invited from Pethor, among the "mountains of the east," beyond the Euphrates, to lay his ban upon the Israelites, whose progress he had no hope otherwise of arresting. It was probably from the summit of Attarus, the high place near the city, that the soothsayer first saw the encampments of Israel.
Strong's Hebrew
7155. Qiryath Chutsoth -- "city of streets," a city in Moab
... Kirjath-huzoth. From qiryah and the feminine plural of chuwts; city of streets;
Kirjath-Chutsoth, a place in Moab -- Kirjath-huzoth. see HEBREW qiryah. ...
/hebrew/7155.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence). Numbers 22:39 And Balaam
went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth. (KJV). ...
/k/kirjathhuzoth.htm - 7k

Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)
Kirjath-huzoth. Kirjathhuzoth, Kirjath-huzoth. Kirjathjearim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Kirjathhuzoth, Kirjath-huzoth. Kirjathjearim . Reference Bible
/k/kirjath-huzoth.htm - 7k

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

/k/kirjathjearim.htm - 13k

Kirjath-baal (2 Occurrences)
Kirjath-baal. Kirjathbaal, Kirjath-baal. Kirjathhuzoth . Int. ... (DBY WBS YLT).
Kirjathbaal, Kirjath-baal. Kirjathhuzoth . Reference Bible.
/k/kirjath-baal.htm - 7k

Kiriath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)
... reads) poleis epauleon, "city of villages," from which we may infer a reading
chatseroth, for chutsoth; the King James Version, Kirjathhuzoth): A place to which ...
/k/kiriath-huzoth.htm - 7k

Kiriathhuzoth
... reads) poleis epauleon, "city of villages," from which we may infer a reading
chatseroth, for chutsoth; the King James Version, Kirjathhuzoth): A place to which ...
/k/kiriathhuzoth.htm - 7k

Resources
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Concordance
Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 22:39
And Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kirjath-huzoth.
(DBY WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Kirjath-Huzoth

Kirjath-Huzoth: A Residence of Balak

Related Terms

Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Kirjath-baal (2 Occurrences)

Kiriath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)

Kiriathhuzoth

Kirjathhuzoth
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