Topical Bible: Heshbon: Fish Pools At

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Heshbon, an ancient city of significant biblical importance, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It was originally a Moabite city before being conquered by the Amorite King Sihon. The Israelites, under Moses' leadership, subsequently defeated Sihon and took possession of Heshbon (Numbers 21:25-26). The city was later allocated to the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:17) and became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:39).

The "fish pools" of Heshbon are specifically referenced in the poetic and allegorical language of the Song of Solomon. In Song of Solomon 7:4 , the beloved's eyes are compared to the "pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim." This imagery suggests that the pools were well-known for their beauty and clarity, serving as a metaphor for the captivating and serene eyes of the beloved. The mention of the "gate of Bath-rabbim" indicates a specific location within or near the city, possibly a prominent entrance or a notable landmark.

The pools of Heshbon, therefore, hold both a literal and symbolic significance. Literally, they were likely part of the city's water system, essential for sustaining life and agriculture in the region. Symbolically, they represent beauty, tranquility, and the life-giving properties of water, which are themes often explored in biblical literature.

Heshbon's strategic location and its water resources made it a valuable asset in the ancient Near East. The city's pools would have been crucial for the sustenance of its inhabitants and livestock, as well as for agricultural purposes. The reference to these pools in the Song of Solomon highlights their renown and the cultural importance of water features in ancient cities.

Throughout biblical history, Heshbon is depicted as a city of conquest and transition, moving from Moabite to Amorite, and finally to Israelite control. Its mention in various biblical texts underscores its historical and theological significance, serving as a testament to the dynamic and often tumultuous history of the region.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 7:4
Your neck is as a tower of ivory; your eyes like the fish pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: your nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Thy Neck is as a Tower of ivory; Thine Eyes Like the Fish-Pools in ...
... 4. Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which
are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is as.htm

Chapter vii
... Thy neck is as a tower of ivory, thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the
gate of Bathrabbim; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looked toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 4. Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which
are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

A Discourse
... 'Thy neck,' says he 'is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon,
by the gate of Bath-rabbim; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Some love no cheese, some love no fish, and some Love not their friends, nor their
own house or home; Some start at pig, slight chicken, love not fowl, More ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... In particular, her neck is compared to the tower of David, builded for an armoury
(Cant 4:4). Her eyes to the fish-pools of Heshbon, by the gate of Bethrabbim. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm