Lexical Summary Cheshbon: Heshbon Original Word: חֶשְׁבּוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Heshbon The same as cheshbown; Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan -- Heshbon. see HEBREW cheshbown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chashab Definition a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Heshbon (38). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. חֶשְׁבּוֺן proper name, of a location of the city of Sihon king of the Amorites Numbers 21:26,27,28,30,34; Numbers 32:3 (all E); Deuteronomy 1:4; Deuteronomy 2:24,26,30; Deuteronomy 3:2,6; Deuteronomy 4:46; Deuteronomy 29:6; Joshua 9:10; Joshua 12:2,5; Joshua 13:10,21,27 (all D) Judges 11:19; Jeremiah 48:45; Nehemiah 9:22; captured by Israel who dwelt in it Numbers 21:25 (E) Judges 11:26; rebuilt by Reuben Numbers 32:37 (E), given to Reuben at the division of the land Joshua 13:17 (P); on the border of Gad, Joshua 13:26 (P), it subsequently fell to Gad and was assigned to Levites out of that tribe Joshua 21:39 (P) 1 Chronicles 6:66; the Moabites gained possession of it Isaiah 15:4; Isaiah 16:8,9 and subsequently the Ammonites Jeremiah 48:2,34,45; Jeremiah 49:3; it was celebrated for its fish ponds Cant 7:5. — Modern „usbân, SeetzenReisen i. 407 RobBR i. 551 BDPal 191 SurveyEP 8. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Heshbon lay about twenty miles east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea on an elevated plateau that forms part of the Trans-Jordanian highlands. Its strategic height overlooks the fertile plain of the Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) to the south and the Medeba plateau to the north. The site is generally identified with Tell Ḥesbân, whose abundant springs sustain both agriculture and herds—an advantage repeatedly noted in biblical poetry and prophecy. Historical Background in the Pentateuch Before Israel’s arrival the city served as the royal seat of Sihon the Amorite. Moses recounts how Sihon refused Israel peaceful passage and was consequently defeated (Numbers 21:21-26; Deuteronomy 2:24-35). “So Israel took all these cities…in Heshbon and all its villages” (Numbers 21:25). The conquest of Heshbon became a paradigm of divine victory over hostile powers (Deuteronomy 1:4; 3:2-6; 4:46). Distribution among the Tribes Although situated in territory first assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:15-17), the location eventually fell under Gadite and then Levitical influence (Joshua 13:26; 21:39). Its shifting tribal border highlights the fluid political landscape east of the Jordan and the cooperative stewardship required among the tribes. In the Period of the Judges Jephthah’s diplomatic review cites the taking of Heshbon as evidence of Israel’s legitimate claim to the land (Judges 11:19-26). For three centuries the Amorite stronghold had remained in Israelite hands, underscoring the enduring nature of God’s earlier grant. Royal Memory in the Monarchy The later historical reflection of Nehemiah—“You gave them kingdoms and peoples, and allotted them every corner. So they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon” (Nehemiah 9:22)—demonstrates how the post-exilic community drew courage from Heshbon’s conquest when rebuilding their own shattered homeland. Prophetic Voice Concerning Heshbon Isaiah, Jeremiah, and their near contemporary Amos (indirectly) employ Heshbon as a symbol of Moabite strength destined for judgment: • Isaiah 15:4: “Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz.” Through these oracles the prophets affirm that no fortress, however renowned, can shield a nation that opposes the purposes of the LORD. Poetic Imagery and Wisdom Literature Song of Solomon 7:4 celebrates the beauty of the bride’s eyes by likening them to “pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim.” The clear spring-fed reservoirs that served the city become a metaphor for depth, purity, and tranquility within covenant love. Theological Themes 1. Sovereign Conquest: Heshbon’s capture shows that divine promise, not human pedigree, determines territorial inheritance. Ministry and Homiletical Applications • The refusal of Sihon (Numbers 21) cautions against hard-heartedness toward God’s people. Archaeological and Geographical Insights Excavations at Tell Ḥesbân reveal multiple occupation layers from the Iron Age through the Roman period. Water cisterns, fortification walls, and a well-engineered roadway confirm the biblical picture of a fortified, prosperous urban center guarding the Plateau Route. Pottery and epigraphic finds illustrate trade connections with Moab, Ammon, and beyond. Typological Significance As Heshbon once belonged to hostile powers yet was redeemed for Israelite use, so the believer’s life—formerly held by sin—can become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. The city’s springs prefigure the “living water” Christ offers (John 4:14), while its watch-towers anticipate the Church’s call to vigilant proclamation. Summary Heshbon stands at the crossroads of Israel’s historical memory, prophetic warning, poetic celebration, and theological reflection. From the march of Exodus to the lament of Jeremiah, its forty-odd mentions testify that the God who triumphs over Amorite kings also holds the destinies of nations and individuals alike. Forms and Transliterations בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ בחשבון בחשבון׃ וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּמֵחֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן וחשבון ומחשבון חֶ֠שְׁבּוֹן חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ חשבון חשבון׃ מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן מֵחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן מחשבון bə·ḥeš·bō·wn becheshBon bəḥešbōwn cheshBon ḥeš·bō·wn ḥešbōwn mê·ḥeš·bō·wn mecheshBon mêḥešbōwn ū·mê·ḥeš·bō·wn umecheshBon ūmêḥešbōwn vecheshBon wə·ḥeš·bō·wn wəḥešbōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 21:25 HEB: עָרֵ֣י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּבְכָל־ בְּנֹתֶֽיהָ׃ NAS: of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all KJV: of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages INT: the cities of the Amorites Heshbon all her villages Numbers 21:26 Numbers 21:27 Numbers 21:28 Numbers 21:30 Numbers 21:34 Numbers 32:3 Numbers 32:37 Deuteronomy 1:4 Deuteronomy 2:24 Deuteronomy 2:26 Deuteronomy 2:30 Deuteronomy 3:2 Deuteronomy 3:6 Deuteronomy 4:46 Deuteronomy 29:7 Joshua 9:10 Joshua 12:2 Joshua 12:5 Joshua 13:10 Joshua 13:17 Joshua 13:21 Joshua 13:26 Joshua 13:27 Joshua 21:39 38 Occurrences |
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