or (feminine of the latter word) קִיר חֲרֶשֶׂת; from קִיר and חֶרֶשׂ; fortress of earthenware; Kir-Cheres or Kir-Chareseth, a place in Moab; Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres.
Transliteration:Qîyr Cheres
Pronunciation:keer kheh'-res
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7025 is a compound place name, קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (Qîyr Cheres), or its feminine variant קִיר חֲרֶשֶׂת (Qîyr Chareseth). It is derived from two distinct Hebrew words. The first component, קִיר (qir) `{{H7023}}`, signifies "wall," often referring to a substantial, defensive structure or the side of a building. It conveys a sense of enclosure, strength, and fortification. The second component, חֶרֶשׂ (cheres) `{{H2775}}`, denotes "earthenware," "pottery," or a "potsherd." This word carries connotations of fragility, commonness, and that which is shaped from clay by human hands and fired.
When combined, "Qîyr Cheres" literally translates to "Wall of Earthenware" or, more interpretively, "Fortress of Earthenware." This juxtaposition of a strong, defensive wall with the fragile material of earthenware creates a poignant semantic tension. It may refer to the specific building materials or color of the stone found in the region, or it could carry an ironic undertone, hinting at the inherent vulnerability of even the most formidable human defenses. Historically, it identifies a significant city in the territory of Moab.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7025 appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as a geographical designation for a major city in Moab, consistently portrayed as a stronghold. Its occurrences are found in both historical narrative and prophetic literature:
* In [[2 Kings 3:25]], Kir-Haraseth (Kir-hareseth) is depicted as the last remaining fortified city of Moab during the campaign of the combined forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom against King Mesha of Moab. Despite the widespread destruction of other Moabite cities, Kir-Haraseth remained standing, a testament to its formidable defenses. The passage describes the besiegers' efforts to destroy the surrounding land, but the city itself, though subjected to attack by slingers, held out, indicating its strategic importance and resilience.
* The prophet Isaiah refers to Kir-Hareseth (Kir-hareseth) in his oracle concerning Moab. In [[Isaiah 16:7]], it is mentioned as a focal point of the lament for Moab's impending destruction: "Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab, every one shall wail: for the foundations of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken." This verse highlights the city's role as a symbol of Moabite strength and the depth of sorrow associated with its downfall.
* Again in [[Isaiah 16:11]], the prophet expresses deep personal anguish over the fate of Moab and specifically Kir-Hareseth: "My heart shall sound like an harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir-hareseth: for the walls of Kir-hareseth shall mourn." Here, the walls themselves are personified in mourning, further emphasizing the city's significance as the heart of Moabite power and identity.
* Jeremiah, echoing Isaiah's prophecy, also references Kir-Heres (Kir-heres) in his extensive judgment against Moab. In [[Jeremiah 48:31]], he declares, "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres."
* Finally, in [[Jeremiah 48:36]], the lament continues, associating the sorrow directly with the inhabitants of Kir-Heres: "Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kir-heres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished."
Across these occurrences, Kir-Hareseth consistently emerges as the primary fortress and symbol of Moabite resistance and pride, whose eventual destruction signifies the complete subjugation and judgment of the nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of H7025 is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and broader biblical themes:
* **קִיר (qir) `{{H7023}}` (Wall):** This component connects Kir-Hareseth to the broader biblical concept of fortifications, strongholds, and human attempts at security. Walls often represent protection and defiance against external threats, but also the limitations of human strength when confronted by divine power.
* **חֶרֶשׂ (cheres) `{{H2775}}` (Earthenware/Pottery):** This element links the city's name to the pervasive biblical metaphor of the potter and the clay. Humanity is often depicted as clay in the hands of God (e.g., [[Isaiah 64:8]], [[Jeremiah 18:6]]), fragile and subject to the divine will. The "earthenware" aspect of Kir-Hareseth's name might subtly prefigure its ultimate fragility before God's judgment, despite its apparent strength.
* **Moab:** As the nation to which Kir-Hareseth belonged, Moab is frequently portrayed in the Bible as an enemy of Israel, characterized by pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's people. The judgments against Moab, often culminating in the fall of its strongholds like Kir-Hareseth, serve as object lessons in divine justice.
* **Lament and Judgment:** The prophetic passages involving Kir-Hareseth are deeply intertwined with themes of divine judgment against unrighteous nations and the subsequent lament over their desolation. The wailing for Kir-Hareseth underscores the severity of the judgment and the sorrow it evokes, even from the prophets who declare it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Kir-Hareseth, "Fortress of Earthenware," is multifaceted and profound.
Firstly, the very name carries a symbolic irony. A "fortress" suggests impregnability and lasting strength, while "earthenware" signifies fragility and impermanence. This inherent tension in the name itself can be seen as a divine commentary on the futility of human reliance on physical strength and material defenses. No matter how formidable a human construction, it is ultimately as fragile as clay before the sovereign power and judgment of God. Kir-Hareseth, despite its historical resilience, was destined to fall, illustrating that ultimate security is found not in walls of stone, but in the Lord.
Secondly, Kir-Hareseth serves as a powerful theological symbol of Moabite pride and self-sufficiency. Moab, often depicted as arrogant and defiant toward God and His people, placed its trust in its fortified cities. The repeated prophetic declarations of Kir-Hareseth's destruction (Isaiah, Jeremiah) underscore that God's judgment extends to all nations that exalt themselves against Him. The fall of this seemingly impregnable fortress demonstrates that no earthly power, no matter how well-defended, can withstand the decree of the Almighty.
Finally, the prophetic laments over Kir-Hareseth's downfall reveal a complex aspect of divine justice. While judgment is certain for sin, the prophets' expressions of sorrow (e.g., "My heart shall sound like an harp for Moab") reflect God's own lament over the destruction of His creation, even those in rebellion. It highlights that divine justice, though necessary, is not devoid of sorrow for the lost.
### Summary
H7025, Kir-Hareseth (or Kir-Heres), is a significant place name in the Hebrew Bible, referring to a formidable Moabite stronghold. Its name, "Fortress of Earthenware," subtly encapsulates a theological irony, juxtaposing strength with inherent fragility. Historically, it was the last bastion of Moabite resistance against an Israelite alliance, showcasing its strategic importance. Prophetically, it becomes a central symbol in the oracles of Isaiah and Jeremiah against Moab, representing the nation's pride and the certainty of its impending destruction. Theologically, Kir-Hareseth underscores the ultimate futility of human strength and self-reliance when confronted with divine judgment. Its eventual fall, despite its formidable defenses, serves as a powerful reminder that true security lies not in earthly fortifications but in the sovereign power of God, who can shatter even the strongest "walls of earthenware." The laments associated with its destruction also reveal the sorrow inherent in divine judgment, even over nations in rebellion.
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