Eglath-shelishiyah is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The name is often translated as "a heifer of three years old" or "a three-year-old heifer," and it appears in a prophetic context. The term is mentioned in Isaiah 15:5, which reads in the Berean Standard Bible : "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. They go up the hill to Luhith, weeping as they go; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction."

Context and Interpretation:

Eglath-shelishiyah is mentioned in the context of a prophecy concerning Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea. The prophecy in Isaiah 15-16 is a lament over the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon Moab. The mention of Eglath-shelishiyah is part of a vivid description of the Moabite refugees fleeing from the devastation.

The term "Eglath-shelishiyah" is often understood to symbolize something precious and valued, akin to a well-cared-for heifer. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a three-year-old heifer would be considered in its prime, representing strength and fertility. The use of this term in the prophecy may underscore the loss and lamentation over something once strong and vibrant, now facing ruin.

Geographical and Historical Considerations:

The exact geographical location of Eglath-shelishiyah is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of Isaiah 15:5. Some scholars suggest it may refer to a specific location within Moab, while others propose it could be a symbolic or poetic reference rather than a literal place.

Historically, Moab was a frequent subject of prophetic oracles due to its complex relationship with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and had a history of both conflict and kinship with the Israelites. The prophecy against Moab in Isaiah reflects the broader theme of divine judgment against nations that opposed or oppressed God's people.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Eglath-shelishiyah in Isaiah's prophecy serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations. The lament for Moab highlights the consequences of pride and opposition to God's will. It also reflects the compassion of the prophet, whose heart "cries out for Moab," indicating that divine judgment is not devoid of sorrow and lament.

The prophecy concerning Moab, including the reference to Eglath-shelishiyah, is part of a larger biblical narrative that emphasizes God's justice and mercy. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and glory.EGLATH-SHELISHIYAH

eg'-lath-shel-i-shi'-ya (`eghlath shelishiyah):

Found in Isaiah 15:5 Jeremiah 48:34 (Hebrew) in oracles against Moab. the King James Version translates "an heifer of three years old"; the Revised Version (British and American) takes it as the name of a place, but the American Revised Version, margin has "a heifer three years old," according to Septuagint. In the former case strong and unconquered cities, Zoar and Horonaim, are compared to the heifer not yet broken to the yoke. Such use of "heifer" is not infrequent (compare Jeremiah 46:20 Hosea 10:11, etc.). The majority of scholars, however, take it as a place-name. Some would read "the third Eglath," as if there were three towns of that name. No probable identification has been suggested.

W. Ewing

5700b. Eglath -- a place near the S. border of Moab
... 5700a, 5700b. Eglath. 5701 . a place near the S. border of Moab.
Transliteration: Eglath Short Definition: Eglath-shelishiyah. Word ...
/hebrew/5700b.htm - 5k

7992. shelishi -- third (an ordinal number)
... number) NASB Word Usage Eglath-shelishiyah* (2), one third (6), third (92),
third part (1), third time (3), thirty (1), three (1). ...
/hebrew/7992.htm - 6k

Eglathshelishiyah
...EGLATH-SHELISHIYAH. eg'-lath-shel-i-shi'-ya (`eghlath shelishiyah): Found in
Isaiah 15:5 Jeremiah 48:34 (Hebrew) in oracles against Moab. ...
/e/eglathshelishiyah.htm - 7k

Eglath-shelishiyah (2 Occurrences)
... Eglathshelishiyah, Eglath-shelishiyah. Eg'lath-shelish'iyah . Int. ...
Eglathshelishiyah, Eglath-shelishiyah. Eg'lath-shelish'iyah . Reference Bible.
/e/eglath-shelishiyah.htm - 8k

Eg'lath-shelish'iyah (2 Occurrences)
Eg'lath-shelish'iyah. Eglath-shelishiyah, Eg'lath-shelish'iyah. Eglath-shelishi-
yah . ... Eglath-shelishiyah, Eg'lath-shelish'iyah. Eglath-shelishi-yah . ...
/e/eg'lath-shelish'iyah.htm - 7k

Zo'ar (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 15:5 My heart is crying out for Moab; her people go in flight to Zoar, and
to Eglath-shelishiyah: for they go up with weeping by the slope of Luhith; on ...
/z/zo'ar.htm - 9k

Eglath (2 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to EglathShelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/e/eglath.htm - 7k

Shelishiyah (2 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to EglathShelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/s/shelishiyah.htm - 7k

Horonaim (5 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to EglathShelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/h/horonaim.htm - 9k

Zoar (12 Occurrences)
... Her nobles flee to Zoar, to EglathShelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of
Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of ...
/z/zoar.htm - 14k

Nimrim (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz have they
uttered their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim, to EglathShelishiyah: for the ...
/n/nimrim.htm - 8k

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