Topical Encyclopedia The "City of Destruction" is a term found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. This term appears in Isaiah 19:18, which reads in the Berean Standard Bible : "In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of Destruction."Context and Interpretation Isaiah 19 is a prophecy concerning Egypt, a nation that had historically been both an oppressor and a refuge for the people of Israel. The chapter outlines a future judgment upon Egypt, followed by a remarkable transformation and redemption. The "City of Destruction" is mentioned in the context of a prophecy where Egypt will undergo a spiritual renewal, with several cities turning to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The term "City of Destruction" is subject to various interpretations. Some manuscripts and translations, including the Septuagint, read "City of the Sun" instead of "City of Destruction." This has led to scholarly debate over whether the text refers to the city of Heliopolis, known as the "City of the Sun," which was a major center of sun worship in ancient Egypt. The variation in translation may reflect a scribal error or a deliberate play on words, emphasizing the transformation from idolatry to the worship of the true God. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the mention of the "City of Destruction" in Isaiah 19:18 serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and redemptive power. It illustrates the theme of divine judgment followed by restoration, a recurring motif in the prophetic books. The transformation of Egyptian cities, including the "City of Destruction," into centers of worship for Yahweh signifies the universal scope of God's salvation plan, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations. This prophecy also highlights the eschatological hope that permeates the book of Isaiah. The conversion of Egypt, a traditional enemy of Israel, into a people who acknowledge and worship the God of Israel, foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation and unity of all nations under God's rule. It underscores the prophetic vision of a future where former adversaries become allies in the worship of the one true God. Historical and Cultural Context In the historical and cultural context of Isaiah's time, Egypt was a powerful and influential nation, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. The prophecy of Egypt's transformation would have been both surprising and hopeful to Isaiah's original audience. It challenged the prevailing notions of national and religious identity, suggesting that God's purposes transcend human boundaries and expectations. The "City of Destruction," therefore, represents not only a specific location but also a broader theological concept. It embodies the idea that no place or people is beyond the reach of God's transformative grace. The prophecy invites believers to anticipate and participate in God's redemptive work in the world, looking forward to the day when all creation will acknowledge His lordship. Conclusion While the exact identity of the "City of Destruction" remains a topic of scholarly debate, its mention in Isaiah 19:18 serves as a profound reminder of God's power to bring about change and redemption. It calls believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for the world, where even the most unlikely places and people can become part of His kingdom. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia City of DestructionCITY OF DESTRUCTION de-struk'-shun `ir ha-herec; (Septuagint Base-dek): In his prediction of the future return of Egypt to Yahweh, Isaiah declares, "In that day there shall be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of hosts; one shall be called The city of destruction" (Isaiah 19:18). The name `ir ha-herec, "the city of overthrow," is evidently a play upon `ir ha-cherec, "city of the sun," a designation of Heliopolis (same meaning; compare the name for this city, Beth-shemesh, Jeremiah 43:13), in Egyptian, On (Genesis 41:45), which last name Ezekiel, by a similar play on sound, changes into Aven. See ON. Some codices, however, as the Revised Version, margin notes, read here `ir ha-cherec, the actual name of the city. Strong's Hebrew 8396. Tabor -- a mountain Southwest of the Sea of Galilee, also ...... NASB Word Usage Tabor (10). destruction. From a root corresponding to tbar; broken region; Tabor, a mountain in Palestine, also a city adjacent -- Tabor. ... /hebrew/8396.htm - 6k Library The Destruction of Babylon. Answer to Another Objection, Showing that the Destruction of ... How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By ... The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 The Destruction of Jerusalem That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ... How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ... The Cruelty of the Idumeans when they were Gotten into the Temple ... Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ... The Swift Destroyer Resources Why is Jerusalem known as the City of David? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The City of God? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of a city gate in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org City: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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