חֶ֫רֶס (che.res)
che.res
Heres
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun cheres designates a specific geographical location mentioned in the book of Judges, identified as a mountain inhabited by Amorites east of the Jordan River. Its primary narrative significance lies in being the point where Gideon halted his pursuit of the Midianite forces (Judges 7:5). The etymology links the name to the Hebrew word for "sun," suggesting the site may have been associated with solar worship or simply named for its exposure.
Lexical sources also connect cheres with Beth-shemesh, another place name sharing the same root elements. This overlap highlights how ancient Israelite geography often reflected local cultural or religious features rather than just physical terrain. The term appears only twice in Scripture, marking it as a minor but distinct landmark in the tribal conflicts of that era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Heres connects us to a time when Israel’s identity was being forged in the landscape of Canaan. Located east of the Jordan, this mountain served as a boundary marker where Gideon paused after his remarkable victory over the Midianites. It reminds us that even in moments of triumph, there are places to rest and reassess before moving forward.
Though it appears only twice in Scripture, Heres highlights how geography often carried spiritual weight for ancient peoples. The Amorites held this high ground, yet the tribe of Joseph pressed on, showing that faithfulness involves persistent effort against entrenched opposition. For you today, it may symbolize those personal strongholds or habits that seem difficult to overcome.
Understanding these small details enriches our reading of Judges. It shows a God who works through real places and real people, guiding them step by step. Whether you are facing a long struggle or a recent victory, remember that God is present in the high places and the valleys alike, sustaining your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Heres1×
- <the>/ Heres1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶ֔רֶס1×
- הֶ/חָֽרֶס\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 1:35
but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim. Yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor.
This verse identifies Heres as a stronghold of the Amorites, illustrating the persistent resistance Israel faced in fully possessing their inheritance.
-
Judges 8:13
Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle from the ascent of Heres.
Here Gideon returns from the ascent of Heres, marking the conclusion of his pursuit and highlighting the mountain as a key landmark in the campaign's geography.