Topical Encyclopedia Heshbon, an ancient city of the Amorites, holds significant mention in biblical prophecy and history. Located east of the Jordan River, it was initially a royal city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, before being conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership (Numbers 21:21-26). The city was later allocated to the tribe of Reuben and became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:39).Prophetic Significance The prophetic references to Heshbon are primarily found in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, where the city is mentioned in the context of judgment against Moab. These prophecies highlight Heshbon's strategic and symbolic importance in the region. Isaiah's Prophecy In Isaiah 15 and 16, the prophet Isaiah delivers an oracle against Moab, in which Heshbon is specifically mentioned. Isaiah 15:4 states, "Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far away as Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out, and their souls tremble within them." This passage underscores the distress and lamentation that would befall Heshbon and its neighboring cities due to impending judgment. Isaiah 16:8-9 further elaborates on the devastation, "For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled the choicest vines, which once reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots spread out and reached the sea. So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh, for the shouts of joy over your summer fruits and your harvest have fallen silent." Here, the prophet mourns the loss of agricultural prosperity, symbolizing the broader desolation that would come upon Moab. Jeremiah's Prophecy Jeremiah also prophesies against Moab, with Heshbon again playing a central role. In Jeremiah 48:2 , it is written, "There is no more praise for Moab; in Heshbon they plan her downfall: 'Come, let us cut her off from being a nation.' You too, O Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you." This verse indicates that Heshbon would be a place where plans for Moab's destruction were devised, highlighting its strategic importance. Jeremiah 48:34 echoes the lamentation theme: "From the outcry of Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz, they have raised their voice, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah, for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up." The drying up of waters signifies the complete desolation and judgment that would come upon the land. Historical and Theological Context The prophecies concerning Heshbon reflect the broader theme of divine judgment against nations that opposed Israel and defied God's commands. Heshbon, as a significant city in Moab, symbolizes the fate of those who stand against God's chosen people. The lamentations and vivid imagery used by the prophets serve as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice. Throughout biblical history, Heshbon's role as a city of strategic and economic importance made it a focal point in the narratives of conquest and prophecy. The prophetic declarations concerning Heshbon illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises and the certainty of His word, as seen in the eventual downfall of Moab and the desolation of its cities. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 16:8For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even to Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 48:2,34,35 Jeremiah 49:1-3 Library The Sovereignty of God in Operation CHAPTER III. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. And ii. A Discourse Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Sihon, king of the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org Why is Jerusalem known as the City of David? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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