### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qᵉrîyôwth**, represented by `{{H7152}}`, is defined as the plural of קִרְיָה; buildings. It is used as the name for two places in Palestine, appearing **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies specific geographical locations that become focal points of prophetic declaration and historical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7152}}` primarily appears in prophecies of judgment directed at Moab. The prophet Amos declares that God will send a fire to devour the palaces of **Kerioth**, and Moab will die amidst tumult and the sound of the trumpet [[Amos 2:2]]. Similarly, Jeremiah announces that **Kerioth** will be taken and its strongholds surprised, causing the hearts of Moab's mighty men to fail [[Jeremiah 48:41]]. It is also listed among the other cities of Moab, both far and near, subject to judgment [[Jeremiah 48:24]]. A separate location named **Kerioth** is also mentioned in a list of cities in Joshua [[Joshua 15:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Kerioth's fate:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word, meaning "a place guarded by waking or a watch," establishes the nature of Kerioth. It is used when Kerioth is listed among the "cities of the land of Moab" [[Jeremiah 48:24]].
* `{{H759}}` **ʼarmôwn** (palace): Defined as a citadel, this term highlights the significant structures within Kerioth. The prophecy in [[Amos 2:2]] specifically targets the "palaces of **Kerioth**" for destruction by fire.
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to capture or occupy): This root word is used to describe the fate of Kerioth in prophecy. The declaration in [[Jeremiah 48:41]] that "**Kerioth** is taken" employs this term to signify its capture.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7152}}` is centered on the theme of divine judgment over nations.
* **Target of Prophetic Judgment:** Kerioth is not a random location but is specifically named in prophecies against Moab. God declares, "I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of **Kerioth**" [[Amos 2:2]], making the city a clear example of divine retribution.
* **Symbol of Fallen Strength:** The capture of Kerioth illustrates the failure of human defenses against God's judgment. The prophecy notes that when Kerioth is taken, its "strong holds are surprised" and the "mighty men's hearts" fail [[Jeremiah 48:41]].
* **Vivid Portrayal of Destruction:** The end of Kerioth is described with powerful and chaotic imagery. Its fall is accompanied by **tumult** `{{H7588}}`, **shouting** `{{H8643}}`, and the sound of the **trumpet** `{{H7782}}`, emphasizing the terror and finality of the event [[Amos 2:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7152}}` **Kerioth** functions as more than just a place name. While it appears in a geographical list in Joshua, its primary role in Scripture is to serve as a specific, named subject in prophecies of judgment against Moab. Through the pronouncements of Jeremiah and Amos, the story of Kerioth stands as a stark illustration of God's sovereignty over the nations and the inability of fortified cities and their palaces to withstand His decreed judgment.
TRV