the same as קִיר; fortress; Kir, a place in Assyrian; also one in Moab; Kir. Compare קִיר חֶרֶשׂ.
Transliteration:Qîyr
Pronunciation:keer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִיר (Qîyr), Strong's H7024, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating specific geographical locations. Its core meaning is intrinsically linked to the common noun קִיר (qîr), meaning "wall," "fortress," or "city wall" (cf. `{{H7023}}`). This etymological connection suggests that places bearing the name "Kir" were likely characterized by significant fortifications, whether natural rock formations or man-made structures. The base definition specifies two primary geographical references: a place in Assyria, and a place in Moab. The semantic range is therefore narrow, focused on these specific fortified locales, yet imbued with the underlying concept of strength and defense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
קִיר (Qîyr), H7024, appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts related to these two distinct geographical entities.
1. **Kir of Assyria:**
* [[Amos 1:5]]: In a prophecy against Damascus, the Lord declares that the people of Aram (Syria) will go into exile to Kir. This indicates Kir as a known place of deportation or origin for the Arameans, likely a region within the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The divine decree underscores God's sovereign control over nations and their destinies, using exile as a tool of judgment.
* [[Amos 9:7]]: This pivotal verse highlights God's universal providence. The Lord reminds Israel of His past acts of deliverance, paralleling their exodus from Egypt with His bringing the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir. This usage establishes Kir as a place of origin for the Arameans, challenging Israel's presumption of unique divine favor by demonstrating God's active involvement in the movements and histories of all peoples, not just His covenant nation.
2. **Kir of Moab:**
* While H7024 itself is not explicitly used for the Moabite city in its short form, the Strong's definition explicitly states "also one in Moab; Kir. Compare קִיר חֶרֶשׂ." This directs attention to קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (Qîr Ḥeres) or קִיר חֲרֶשֶׂת (Qîr Ḥareseth), `{{H7025}}`, which is identified as Kir. This prominent Moabite city, known for its strength, is mentioned in prophecies of judgment:
* [[Isaiah 15:1]]: Refers to "Kir of Moab" in a lament over the destruction of Moab.
* [[Isaiah 16:7]]: Laments "the foundations of Kir-hareseth."
* [[Isaiah 16:11]]: Expresses deep sorrow for "Kir-heres."
* [[Jeremiah 48:31]]: Mourns for "the men of Kir-heres."
* [[Jeremiah 48:36]]: Reiterates lamentation for "the men of Kir-heres."
These references underscore Kir's identity as a major Moabite fortress city facing divine judgment, reinforcing the underlying concept of a "fortress" that ultimately cannot withstand God's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
* קִיר (qîr) `{{H7023}}`: The common noun meaning "wall," "fortress," or "city wall." This is the etymological root of the proper noun קִיר (Qîyr), signifying the inherent strength or defensive nature of the locations named Kir.
* קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (Qîr Ḥeres) or קִיר חֲרֶשֶׂת (Qîr Ḥareseth) `{{H7025}}`: The fuller name for the Moabite city, often translated as "Wall of Pottery/Brick" or "Fortress of the Sun." This term is directly linked to קִיר (Qîyr) in Moab, emphasizing its fortified character and perhaps its construction materials or a cultic association.
* בָּצַר (batsar) `{{H1219}}`: A verb meaning "to cut off," "to fortify," "to make inaccessible." This concept is closely related to the idea of a "fortress" or "stronghold" that Kir represents.
* מִבְצָר (mibtsar) `{{H4013}}`: A noun meaning "fortress" or "fortified city." These terms provide a broader semantic field for the type of place "Kir" signifies.
* Exile and Judgment: The biblical contexts in which Kir appears are deeply intertwined with themes of divine judgment, the forced migration of peoples (exile), and the overarching sovereignty of God over all nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִיר (Qîyr) is profound, particularly in the book of Amos:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The most striking theological implication arises from [[Amos 9:7]], where God's declaration, "Did I not bring up Israel from the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir?" profoundly asserts His universal sovereignty. This statement radically challenges Israel's potential ethnocentric view of salvation and election, demonstrating that God's providential hand extends over all peoples and their migrations, not solely His covenant people. It underscores that God is the Lord of history for all nations, orchestrating their movements, origins, and destinies according to His divine plan.
* **Judgment and Accountability:** The prophecies concerning the exile of Aram to Kir ([[Amos 1:5]]) and the impending destruction of Kir-heres in Moab (Isaiah, Jeremiah) highlight God's righteous judgment against nations for their sin. Even places named for their strength, like Kir, cannot withstand divine wrath. This serves as a powerful reminder that no nation, however fortified or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of God's justice and the consequences of their actions.
* **The Futility of Human Security:** The very name "Kir," meaning "wall" or "fortress," ironically points to the ultimate futility of relying on human strength or fortifications for true security. Both the Arameans' origin in Kir and Moab's reliance on Kir-heres ultimately prove insufficient against God's purposes and judgments. True and lasting security rests solely in the Lord.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The mention of Kir in Amos anticipates future historical events, specifically the Assyrian deportations, demonstrating the predictive power of biblical prophecy and the faithfulness of God to execute His word in history.
### Summary
קִיר (Qîyr), H7024, is a Hebrew proper noun denoting two distinct geographical locations, both etymologically linked to the concept of a "wall" or "fortress" (from קִיר, `{{H7023}}`). One is a place in Assyria, serving as either the origin or the destination of exile for the Arameans, as prophesied in Amos ([[Amos 1:5]], [[Amos 9:7]]). This usage is a powerful testament to God's universal sovereignty and His orchestration of the histories and movements of all nations. The second is a prominent city in Moab, often identified with קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (Kir-heres, `{{H7025}}`), a formidable stronghold. Prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah lament the impending judgment and destruction of Moab, including this fortified city, illustrating that no human defense can withstand divine judgment. The word קִיר thus encapsulates significant theological themes of divine sovereignty, universal judgment, and the ultimate futility of relying on human strength or fortifications for true security in the face of God's omnipotence.
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