Pelusium, an ancient city of Egypt, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. Located on the easternmost branch of the Nile Delta, Pelusium served as a strategic military and trade city, often referred to as the "key of Egypt" due to its position as a gateway for invasions from the east. The city's name, derived from the Greek "Pelousion," is believed to mean "muddy" or "silty," reflecting its marshy surroundings.

Biblical References and Historical Context

While Pelusium is not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, it is traditionally identified with the city of "Sin" mentioned in the prophetic writings of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 30:15-16 states, "I will pour out My wrath on Pelusium, the stronghold of Egypt, and cut off the crowds of Thebes. I will set fire to Egypt; Pelusium will writhe in anguish. Thebes will be taken by storm; Memphis will be in constant distress." This passage highlights Pelusium's role as a fortified city and its eventual downfall as part of God's judgment against Egypt.

Pelusium's strategic importance is underscored by its frequent mention in historical accounts as a site of military encounters. It was a focal point during the Persian conquest of Egypt under Cambyses II in 525 BC, where the city fell after a decisive battle. This event aligns with the biblical prophecies of Egypt's subjugation by foreign powers.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In addition to its military and economic roles, Pelusium was a center of religious activity. The city was associated with the worship of the Egyptian god Amun and other deities. Its religious significance is reflected in the archaeological remains of temples and other structures dedicated to these gods.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Pelusium in the context of divine judgment serves as a testament to the sovereignty of God over nations. The prophecies concerning Egypt, including those involving Pelusium, illustrate the broader biblical theme of God's control over history and His ability to use nations to accomplish His purposes. The fulfillment of these prophecies is seen as evidence of the reliability and authority of Scripture.

Archaeological Insights

Modern archaeological efforts have uncovered remnants of Pelusium's past, including fortifications, temples, and artifacts that provide insight into its historical and cultural significance. These findings corroborate historical accounts and enhance our understanding of the city's role in the ancient world.

In summary, Pelusium stands as a testament to the intricate interplay of history, prophecy, and divine sovereignty as recorded in the biblical narrative. Its account is woven into the larger tapestry of God's dealings with nations, serving as a reminder of His ultimate authority and the fulfillment of His word.

A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo.
... "Thence to mount Casius towards Pelusium, the distance is a thousand furlongs,
and a little more. And three hundred more to Pelusium.". ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 10 a description of.htm

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
... Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the
temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 8 the river of.htm

Aristobulus is Taken Off by Pompey's Friends, as is his Son ...
... And since Mithridates of Pergamus, with the forces he led against Egypt, was excluded
from the avenues about Pelusium, and was forced to stay at Asealon, he ...
/.../chapter 9 aristobulus is taken.htm

The Jews Become Confederates with Caesar when He Fought against ...
... by the order of Hyrcanus; for when Mithridates of Pergainus was bringing his
auxiliaries, and was not able to continue his march through Pelusium, but obliged ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the jews become.htm

How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What
... treacherous designs against the Egyptians, returned home without success, on the
following occasion: He spent a long time in the siege of Pelusium; and when ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how sennacherib made.htm

Athanasius, Passing through Jerusalem on his Return to Alexandria ...
... Athanasius passed through Pelusium on his way to Alexandria, and admonished the
inhabitants of every city to beware of the Arians, and to receive those only ...
/.../chapter xxiv athanasius passing through jerusalem.htm

Council of Tyre; Illegal Deposition of St. Athanasius.
... stones at the statues of the emperor of occasioning his being thrown into prison;
of deposing Callinicus, bishop of the Catholic Church at Pelusium, and of ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxv council of tyre illegal.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... Its length between Pelusium and Siene is two thousand furlongs, and the passage
by sea from Plinthine to Pelusium is three thousand six hundred furlongs. ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... His second station was Heracleopolis, and his third Pelusium; he then refreshed
his army at that place for two days, and on the third passed over the mouths of ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

Another Archbishop
... not a luxury; a responsible ministration, not an irresponsible dominion; a fatherly
supervision, not a tyrannical autocracy."Isidore of Pelusium, Ephesians 3 ...
/.../chapter xiv another archbishop.htm

Pelusium (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pelusium (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 30:15 I will pour my
wrath on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. ...
/p/pelusium.htm - 6k

Shur (6 Occurrences)
... desert tribes. This wall or line of fortifications extended from Pelusium
to Heliopolis. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHUR. shur ...
/s/shur.htm - 11k

Migdol (6 Occurrences)
... Tower. (1.) A strongly-fortified place 12 miles from Pelusium, in the north of Egypt
(Jeremiah 44:1; 46:14). This word is rendered "tower" in Ezek. ...
/m/migdol.htm - 12k

Pen (16 Occurrences)

/p/pen.htm - 14k

Sin (782 Occurrences)
... Sin, a city in Egypt, called by the Greeks Pelusium, which means, as does also the
Hebrew name, "clayey" or "muddy," so called from the abundance of clay found ...
/s/sin.htm - 82k

Zoan (7 Occurrences)
... times of Jacob, and of Moses, Zoan probably lay at the mouth of the Bubastic branch,
and was a harbor, Lake Menzaleh and the lagoons near Pelusium having been ...
/z/zoan.htm - 17k

Goshen (16 Occurrences)
... 385 AD, identifies with Gesse or Goshen; for she reached it in her journey from
Heroopolis, through Goshen to Tathnis or Taphnis (Daphnai), and to Pelusium. ...
/g/goshen.htm - 19k

Tahapanes (1 Occurrence)
... Tehaphnehes, (called "Daphne" by the Greeks, now Tell Defenneh), an ancient Egyptian
city, on the Tanitic branch of the Nile, about 16 miles from Pelusium. ...
/t/tahapanes.htm - 7k

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)
... was a city on the eastern frontier of Lower Egypt, represented today by Tell Defenneh,
a desert mound lying some 20 miles Southwest from Pelusium (Biblical "Sin ...
/t/tahpanhes.htm - 14k

Epiphanes
... king. Antiochus yielded; gave up Pelusium and withdrew his fleet from
Cyprus, but retained Coelesyria, Palestine and Phoenicia. ...
/e/epiphanes.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus