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.
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.
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).
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.
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