### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Qiryath Chutsôwth**, represented by `{{H7155}}`, is a proper name for a location in Moab, defined as **city of streets**. Also rendered as Kirjath-huzoth, its name is derived from the words for city and the feminine plural of **chûwts** `{{H2351}}`, meaning street or outside. This specific place name appears only **1 time** in a single verse in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7155}}` is found in the narrative of the prophet **Balaam** `{{H1109}}` and the Moabite king **Balak** `{{H1111}}`. Balak summoned Balaam with the intention of having him curse the Israelites. The verse states, "And Balaam **went** `{{H3212}}` with Balak, and they **came** `{{H935}}` unto Kirjathhuzoth" [[Numbers 22:39]]. This city, therefore, serves as a specific geographical marker on the journey undertaken by the two men just before Balaam delivered his oracles concerning Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the context of this location:
* `{{H1109}}` **Bilʻâm** (Balaam): A Mesopotamian prophet who was brought by Balak from Aram to curse Jacob and defy Israel [[Numbers 23:7]]. Despite being hired to curse, God turned the curse into a blessing [[Deuteronomy 23:5]].
* `{{H1111}}` **Bâlâq** (Balak): The Moabitish king who is described as a "waster." He summoned Balaam out of fear of the Israelites and commanded him to build altars for the purpose of cursing them [[Numbers 23:1]].
* `{{H2351}}` **chûwts** (street, outside): This word forms the basis for the second part of the name **Qiryath Chutsôwth**. It is used elsewhere to refer to the streets of a city or the area outside a dwelling or tabernacle ([[Micah 7:10]], [[Exodus 27:21]]).
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This primitive root describes the action of Balaam and Balak arriving at their destination. The word is used broadly in scripture for entering, arriving, or bringing something to pass ([[Isaiah 60:1]], [[Malachi 3:10]]).
### Theological Significance
While the location itself is not given further theological development, its role in the narrative carries significant weight:
* **A Stage for Divine Sovereignty:** The arrival at **Qiryath Chutsôwth** sets the stage for God's direct intervention. The events that follow demonstrate God's power to overrule the intentions of men, as He explicitly turned the intended curse into a blessing [[Nehemiah 13:2]].
* **The Futility of Human Schemes:** The journey to this city was part of Balak's plan to curse God's people. However, God had already told Balaam, "Thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" [[Numbers 22:12]], showing that the king's efforts were destined for failure.
* **A Point of Remembrance:** The entire encounter, beginning with the journey that passed through `{{H7155}}`, is later used as a lesson for Israel to "know the righteousness of the LORD" [[Micah 6:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7155}}` is a minor geographical reference whose importance is derived entirely from its context within the story of Balaam and Balak. As the "city of streets," it marks a waypoint in a narrative that powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His people. Though mentioned only once, **Qiryath Chutsôwth** is tied to a foundational Old Testament account of divine protection and the ultimate authority of God's word over the curses of men.
TRV