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KIR-HARESETH

(Heb. qîr ḥăreśeṯ),

KIR-HERES

(qîr ḥereś)

One of the major cities of Moab, probably the capital, and likely the same as Kir Moab (Isa. 15:1). It is mentioned in Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa. 16:7, 11) and in Jeremiah’s message concerning Moab (Jer. 48:31, 36). The alternate form Kir-heres appears in Isa. 16:11; Jer. 48.

Kir-hareseth has generally been identified with modern Kerak (217066), situated on a strategic plateau surrounded by steep valleys and overlooking Wadi Kerak, which flows into the Dead Sea. The city is located at an intersection of the King’s Highway and a road that crosses the plateau from east to west. Kerak is mentioned on the 6th-century c.e. Madeba mosaic map ([Kar]ach Moba). Recently, Kir-hareseth has been dissociated from Kerak and identified with Qarhoh, Moab’s capital near Dibon.

Archaeological remains from the biblical periods are scarce. The only considerable find is a fragmentary dedication inscription from the 9th century b.c.e. Unfortunately, the whole site is covered by modern buildings. The outstanding monument of the city is the remains of a 12th-century Crusader castle, which also houses the archaeological museum.

Bibliography. K. A. D. Smelik, Converting the Past: Studies in Ancient Israelite and Moabite Historiography. OTS 28 (Leiden, 1992).

Friedbert Ninow

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

KIR-HARESETH

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)